07 September 2011
National Book Week is proving to be a major reading promotion
initiative across South Africa. Only in its second year of
running, the campaign has received endorsements from a wide
range of stakeholders.
First established in September 2010 by the South African Book
Development Council (SABDC) in association with the Department
of Arts and Culture (DAC), National Book Week is a period for
the promotion of a culture of reading and writing. The objective
is to create a platform where government, the book sector and
civil society can establish dynamic partnerships to promote
access to books and contribute towards the creation of a reading
society.
This year’s National Book Week is celebrated from 5 – 10
September. The main programme will be held at Museum Africa,
Johannesburg, on 8 – 10 September. It includes dedicated
activities for children at the Children’s Tent, where there will
be puppet shows, storytelling sessions, comedy etc. Activities
for adults and youth will include book signings, panel
discussions, writing and publishing workshops, poetry
performances, motivational speaking, etc.
As this is a national campaign, National Book week is celebrated
nationwide. Our media partners, including SABC 1 and Metro FM,
have played a pivotal role in reaching out to the broader
society. South African Airways (SAA) and the Airports Company
South Africa (ACSA) make use of their publicity material to
inform passengers and visitors to airports about National Book
Week. The City of Joburg, as the host city, has endorsed the
campaign and is one of the major partners in this endeavour.
The campaign has also been endorsed by people like Zukiswa
Wanner, Sbusiso Leope, Nkhensani Nkosi, Slikour, Lebo Mashile,
Angela Makholwa, Fiona Snyckers, Azania Ndoro, Dineo Moeketsi,
Bridget Masinga, and other prominent individuals who use various
media platforms to promote reading. They will also participate
in a number of activities at Museum Africa, where they will read
and share inspirational stories about the importance of reading
and how it has changed their lives.
To celebrate this year’s National Book Week, South Africans are
called upon to Buy, Read and Share books by donating them to the
needy. It is through a widespread reading culture that we can
become a better informed society. It takes one person at a time.
For more information, please visit the National Book Week
website at:
www.nationalbookweek.co.za
Media enquiries : Mack Lewele 082 450 5076/012 441 3083
General enquiries : Siphiwo Mahala 082 888 9946/012 441 3665
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