South African Book Fair celebrates proudly South African stories at National Book Week 2017
JOBURG — "There has never been a better time to band together and celebrate South Africa through what has existed in different styles and formats for centuries – stories."
The South African Book Development Council will host the South African Book Fair at Museum Africa in Newtown, Johannesburg from 8 to 10 September 2017.
The council emphasised the importance of South Africans celebrating their heritage and diversity and highlighted the South African narrative in their support of the South African Book Fair. It is an opportunity to come together and embrace South Africa’s unique diversity.
The theme for the this year’s fair is #OurStories. This idea stems from the book fair’s mission to acknowledge the role that all private and corporate citizens play in the greater South African and African story.
Chief Executive Officer of the council, Elitha van der Sandt, said books are one of the oldest means of communication and distribution. Besides the legitimate industrial and economic activities involved in producing books, they also make a spiritual, educational and cultural contribution to the life of a nation.
“The SABF offers the country an opportunity to engage with this important industry and enjoy some of its best works. It’s also an opportunity for us as the book sector to present ourselves to South Africa,” explained Van der Sandt.
South Africa and Africa’s most celebrated authors will share their stories as part of the #OurStories theme. People who attend the fair will have the opportunity to meet their favourite authors. They will also hear them speak on topics they are passionate about that tell the African story. The book fair will be the climax of National Book Week which runs from 4 to 10 September 2017.
Since June 2017 the council has been and will continue to engage with readers, listeners, and viewers on various topics related to the vital and important role the book industry has played for many centuries in building Africa.
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