Authors and aspirant writers gathered on June 18 to discuss how to remain relevant in the times of artificial intelligence and how to optimise the digital platforms.

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The workshop was supported by the city’s library services.

Zukiswa Peters, manager of the city’s library services, emphasised that libraries remain a cornerstone of community development and a safe haven for authors and budding writers even in the time of online publication platforms.

Peters also encouraged authors to continue writing books in indigenous languages to be able to reach wider audiences.

“The era of digital platforms is upon us and while it makes things easier for some to access reading material online, it is deterring others to access books due to the inaccessibility of data to many people.

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“Therefore, we encourage authors and budding writers to formulate community-based book clubs to instil the culture of reading and buying books,” said Peters.

Many authors who were in attendance took advantage of the event and managed to sell hard copies of their latest offerings to fellow readers and writers.