Prioritise reading for this year’s Book Week and Fair
Statistics shine a light on SA’s poor reading culture.
National Book Week (NBW) is fast approaching and this year marks a decade of influence on South Africa’s reading culture.
The NBW campaign will run from September 2 to 8, with the SA Book Fair from September 6 to 8 at Constitution Hill.
This year, the celebration also coincides with International Literacy Day on September 8 and will include 10 indigenous-language reading festivals in remote communities across the country to mark Unesco’s International Year of Indigenous Languages.
Book Awareness Week is dedicated to encouraging reading and promoting books.
A South African Book Development Council (SABDC) study revealed that just 14 per cent of South Africans actively read, while 58 per cent of households did not have a single leisure book at home.
Statistics SA’s recent general household survey also revealed that most parents never spend quality time stimulating and nurturing early childhood development.
The survey further revealed that a third of parents have never told stories and almost 50 per cent have never read a book with their children.
Elitha van der Sandt, CEO of SABDC, said the lack of reading interest in SA needs a collective awakening.
Events at this year’s Book Fair will include reading-related activities such as exhibitions, reading books and storytelling sessions, word-building games, poetry and play areas for children.
The official mascot Funda Bala, which means ‘read read’ in Nguni and Sotho, will also make an appearance.
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One of the centerpieces of the NBW is the #BuyABook campaign, which the SABDC runs with Exclusive Books and Bargain Books.
The public is encouraged to buy a book from the select list of titles, which also includes books in indigenous languages that participating retailers and partners make available for R20.
The books can be donated at the cash register and a team will ensure they are made available to children across all provinces.
“We encourage all corporates, leaders across political lines, parents, teachers, community members, brothers and sisters to celebrate stories, reading and books. It is a human right and an inexpensive way to transform and move our country forward,” said Elitha.
The success of NBW is attributable to the strong collaborative efforts of various partners and stakeholders.
Caxton Local Media, under the banner of Caxton Cares, has joined this year’s campaign as we explore ways to bridge the gap in learners’ access to reading material.
Editors have committed to playing a part in helping local schools and organisations gain access to books, as well as to sharing their love of reading and languages with the children in our communities.
Keep informed about the campaign by following #WeRead #ReadBecause #CaxtonCares #BuyABook
Have a story?
Contact the newsroom by emailing: Melissa Hart (Editor) germistoncitynews@caxton.co.za or Leigh Hodgson (News Editor) leighh@caxton.co.za or Kgotsofalang Mashilo (journalist) kgotsofalangm@caxton.co.za
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