7th annual Jozi book fair

While this fair aims to build on previous fairs and consolidates its work with townships and communities, schools and libraries, and the general public, it will also link up with reading constituencies from various social backgrounds. This explains the need for a bigger and more versatile venue, to cater to the multifaceted interests of constituencies. At the same time, the venue is accessible to all JBF’s constituencies and the broader public.

This year, the theme of the fair is ‘Children’s literature and Childhood’. The theme facilitates a broad focus on children’s literature and its authors, including its role and importance for children and childhood, and the nature of children’s literature and childhood in South Africa, 21 years after democracy. The need for children’s literature written in mother tongue languages is another key aspect of the theme.

The Guest of the Fair is someone who reflects the aims of the JBF through their work. The Guest is the multi-talented, internationally-acclaimed author, storyteller, poet and performer, Gcina Mhlophe. Gcina has had an illustrious career in theatre, cinema, TV and storytelling. She has written 26 books for children and adults and these have been translated into Swahili, German, French, Italian and Japanese.

The objective of the JBF is to provide a public platform for key social partners to promote a culture of reading and writing. The Jozi Book Fair is held over two days in September and activities are organised around the readers, writers and authors and publishers, and events that promote this partnership.

Details: 082 829 6043; maria.vandriel@khanyacollege.org.za

Filler: Will you attend the Jozi Book Fair? Let us know by commenting on the comment section below