Minister launches National Book Week
PARKTOWN –Arts and culture minister, Nathi Mthethwa encouraged South Africans to read as he launched National Book Week at Emoyeni Conference Centre in Parktown.
This year’s National Book Week takes place just over a month since the passing of Nadine Gordimer, a political activist and highly prolific writer, and South Africa’s first Nobel Laureate in literature.
Elitha Van Der Sandt, CEO of the South African Book Development Council said despite the book sector in the country amounting to R5 billion in turnover, a mere 14 percent of people in the country were avid book readers and only one percent of the population purchased books.
“The promotion of a culture of reading and writing is paramount in our strategic intervention as reading is central to our development as a nation,” said Mthethwa.
A luxury coach which will travel to six provinces from 1 to 7 September was also unveiled. The coach will transport National Book Week ambassadors, motivational speakers, authors, storytellers and a toy library across the country to promote reading and literacy.
“We want to reach out to all sectors of our society and ensure that National Book Week is celebrated in every corner of the country,” said Mthethwa.
Various other activities that promote reading will run parallel to National Book Week including the Department of Correctional Services encouraging a culture of reading as a rehabilitation tool for inmates.
