The Deputy Minister of Arts and Culture Rejoice Mabundafhasi launched National Book Week (NBW) at Emoyeni Conference Centre in Parktown ahead of its one week tour. National Book week will be celebrated around the country from 7 to13 September.
“The importance of reading in order to achieve success in life is foundational for the individual and essential for nation building and social cohesion. The Department of Arts and Culture’s Mzansi Golden Economy strategy recognises the power of the sector to contribute to job creation, poverty reduction, skills development and above all, economic growth,” Mabundafhasi said.
The #BUYABOOK campaign was established to encourage South Africans to read more often. According to statistics only 14 per cent of South Africans read books and half the country doesn’t own a single leisure book in the home.
National Book Week is currently in its sixth week, and is the country’s most successful annual reading campaign that has received support from ambassadors, musicians and storytellers.
The bus tour and mascot were unveiled by Mabudafhasi, who said the ribbon symbolises the release of love and knowledge of books all over. All the events will promote vital messages to encourage reading as a fun activity in different provinces where provinces will specifically have programmes to meet their demands. This will be done to promote indigenous languages local authors and access to libraries.
Residents can participate in National Book week by visiting their local Bargain Books or Exclusive Books stores to participate in the #BUYABOOK campaign. Communities, churches, social groups, libraries and anyone who wants to participate in the campaign.
McDonald’s are also one of the sponsors participating in this campaign. The fast food chain launched reading corners in selected restaurants across the East Rand where Metro FM host Refiloe Mpakanyane will recite stories to the children.
