The South African Book Fair, which aims to create a space for all South Africans to access books, is set to take place from 6 to 8 September at Constitution Hill.
Caxton Local Media under the banner of Caxton Cares has partnered with the fair to explore ways to bridge the gap in learners’ access to reading material.
The event for young and old comprises of a mix of activities, exhibitions, performances, panel discussions and sessions and is hosted by the South African Book Development Council (SABDC).
SABDC CEO Elitha van der Sandt said that while there are many dedicated and important initiatives celebrating books in South Africa, and a welcome flourishing of literary events, SABDC set out to revisit the concept and relevance of a national book fair in South Africa.
“We were responding to mounting calls for a more reflective and representative showcase of South African (and African) literature and culture. The SABDC is committed to implementing a book fair that creates greater access to the event for all South Africans, and dedicates itself to engaging audiences who ordinarily do not form part of mainstream book industry events,” said Van der Sandt.
“We want to make books part of everyday South African life. We also have many talented authors and many stories to be told. This is the best time to showcase #OurStories and excellent talent to South Africa and soon to the world as we start positioning the South African Book Fair as a key component of our expert programme currently in the pipeline,” she added.
Van der Sandt said that the fair is working towards becoming a marketplace of a kaleidoscope of local stories bearing in mind that 58 per cent of households in South Africa do not have access to a single leisure reading book.
Entry to the fair is R10 and all sessions are R40 each. Book tickets on www.webtickets.co.za
Keep up to date about the campaign by following #WeRead #ReadBecause #CaxtonCares.
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