A novel way to keep informed

Harber, former editor of the Mail and Guardian and Caxton professor of journalism at the University of the Witwatersrand, spoke about his novel, Diepsloot.

The University of the Third Age is a post-retirement organisation which serves as a learning co-operative for retired senior citizens.

Chairman of the Joburg North branch, Bill Reynard said the organisation offered senior citizens a chance to discuss interesting topics. He added that members of the organisation were able to learn activities that they never had the time to do before retirement.

The organisation offers special interest groups such as line dancing, photography, and also organises social lunches and group outings.

Reynard said, “The University of the Third Age is an international organisation, but we have branches all over South Africa. At the Joburg North branch we have members from Fourways, Randburg and surrounding areas. Not only does the organisation offer members the chance to keep their minds active, but it also facilitates socialising and networking.”

Harber gave a very interesting discussion on his experience of writing his book. He spoke about how he immersed himself in the community of Diepsloot for six months to research how the settlement functioned.

“Diepsloot was a very interesting place to write about,” he said. “I made many friends in the area and learnt a lot about how the people of Diepsloot live. As a society we definitely need to confront places like Diepsloot.”

The Joburg North branch meets on the first Tuesday of every month at the Randburg Gereformeerde Kerk.

Details: Margaret Britz 073 281 8620, maggiebritz@hotmail.com