Department: Arts and Culture, South Africa

Main Programme of National Book Week to be held at the Red Location Museum, Port Elizabeth

5 September 2012

The main programme of National Book Week will be held at the Red Location Museum in New Brighton, Port Elizabeth, from 6-8 September 2012. The programme will run from 9:00-16:00 every day and entrance if free.

Following the official opening by the Minister of Arts and Culture, Mr Paul Mashatile, on Monday 3 September, a number of satellite activities are being held across the Eastern Cape. These activities include book debates, wherein learners from schools across the Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality discuss books by leading South African writers. This is in line with what was articulated in Mashatile’s opening address, where he described the purpose as being “to engender wider audiences for South African literature and enhance the development of a dynamic book sector that is globally competitive.”

The main programme will feature a number of reading promotion activities, including toy libraries, demo libraries, workshops on establishing book clubs, magazine publishing, creative writing, poetry performances, readings, etc. A number of distinguished South African authors will share their writing experiences with the participants and engage in discussions about their books. Captains of the industry, ranging from stakeholders such as publishers, academics, booksellers and authors’ associations, etc. will hold informative discussion forums where they will address some of the key challenges and explore possible areas of growth in the book sector. Leading photographer, journalist and literary enthusiast, Victor Dlamini, will mount a photographic exhibition of some prominent South African writers.

A number of ambassadors are expected to give motivational talks between Thursday and Saturday at the Red Location Museum. These would include author and spokesperson of the Hawks, McIntosh Polela, the musician Zonke, poet and Hip-Hop artist Kabomo, presenter of Shift, Aaron Moloisi, and actor Jafta Mamabolo, known as Matthew on the popular soapie, Generations. These ambassadors remain inspirational figures, especially among the youth, and will share life stories and the importance of reading in their careers.

The DAC is working closely with the South African Book Development Council (SABDC) to ensure that National Book Week is embraced by communities across South Africa. This initiative is supported by likeminded and strategic partners such as SABC1 and Umhlobo Wenene FM, who are instrumental in reaching out to the various sectors of our society.

The programme will culminate with a prize giving ceremony where the winners of the schools’ debate programme will be announced on Saturday, 8 September 2012. The occasion will also mark International Literacy Day.

For media enquiries contact Mack Lewele:012 441 3084/082 450 5076/E-mail: MackL@dac.gov.za, Teresa Magidela: 012 441 3626 / 082 933 9156/E-mail: TeresaM@dac.gov.za or Manzi Vabaza: 043 604 4022/082 339 6083