On September 10, Lesedi Local Municipality celebrated National Book Week at Vischkuil library.
The theme was ‘The Book Of Our Lives’.
South Africa celebrates National Book Week every first week of September.
The book week is an initiative of the South African Book Development Council (SABDC) in collaboration with the Department of Arts and Culture.
The SABDC is a governmental body whose primary aim is to increase access to books in South Africa and to get more citizens reading for leisure.
This is a flagship programme to promote reading through playing and educational activities.
National Book Week encourages the nation to value reading as a fun and pleasurable activity and to showcase how reading can easily be incorporated into one’s daily lifestyle.
Government wants to create and cultivate a culture of reading in our societies.
The government is looking to upgrade libraries to make them more modern with gaming corners, audio visual reading, kiddies corner and more. Libraries will be reconstructed to be more attractive to children but at the same time more educational.
There were various speakers present who all discussed the importance of reading. They included Fundile Mqatu (acting assistant director: Library and Archives), Dr Tsakane Chauke (National Library of South Africa), Dr Nompumelelo Khawula (HOD of Community Services), MMC of Community Services Clr Thulani Mashinini and Ward 12 Clr Smith Mnyakeni.
LLM Executive Mayor Clr Mluleki Nkosi logged in via TeamViewer and sent a message for all who attended.
Nkosi said: “We welcome the National Book Week to encourage the South African citizens to read books. Reading is important for all citizens of South Africa. Today we are addressing the younger generation.
“During this month we will be commemorating giants of our revolution and heritage. I am referring to people like Steve Biko who perished in the hands of apartheid on September 12, 1977. His contribution to reading can be traced in his writings. His famous book, I write what I like is an interesting piece to read.
“Research proves that prominent citizens were inspired by books to become better leaders.”
