#WeRead: SA writers talk free books and the value of copyright
“It’s important for authors to continue writing during this time of Covid-19 so that we have diverse interpretations and stories of the biggest challenge our country and the world have faced.”
The South African Book Fair will host an online discussion on free books and the value of copyright in providing writers with life-sustaining royalties on April 28.
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Dudu Busani-Dube, Flow Wellington, Michelle Constant, Pamela Power, Pumla Dineo Gqola and Thabiso Mahlape will take part in the discussion live via the South African Book Fair Facebook page from 7pm to 8pm.
The line-up of award-winning and acclaimed authors and participants will be discussing the economic value of books as an intrinsic part of their social, educational and cultural value.
The panel will consider ways of ensuring writers and the book industry are able to thrive and tell South African stories in different languages.
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It will also look at ways to improve access to books in communities who are struggling for survival and address the growing circulation of free books during Covid-19, even in the traditional book-buying community.
The World Book and Copyright Day event is part of South African Book Fair’s commitment to bringing the power of reading to all South Africans.
“It’s important for authors to continue writing during this time of Covid-19 so that we have diverse interpretations and stories of the biggest challenge our country and the world have faced to date,” said Elitha van der Sandt, CEO of the South African Book Development Council (SABDC).
SABDC hosts the annual South African Book Fair as part of National Book Week.
“The country relies on the book industry to record this moment and share it with generations to come,” said van der Sandt.
