The official opening programme of National Book Week (NBW) took place in the Depatch Town Hall in Nelson Mandela Bay on Monday 4th September. Other activations took place in the City of Polokwane in Limpopo where National Book Week ambassador, Mogau Paulina Motlhatswi of Skeem Saam fame gave a motivational talk to an audience of Grade 4-12 learners on the importance of reading.
The Matjiesfontein Community Hall in the Western Cape celebrated #OURSTORIES when National Book Week ambassador Keeno Lee gave a motivational talk to an audience of adults and students on how books have shaped his life.
National Book Week reaches a diverse audience during its annual visits across the country. Pre-schoolers, learners from Grade R–12, youth, adults, the elderly, the visually impaired, the hearing impaired and the disabled persons from the communities participate in the various programme activities, which are designed to accommodate every South African.
This year marks the eighth annual National Book Week in association with Department of Arts & Culture, which sees the South African Book Development Council (SABDC) embark on a nationwide tour of all nine provinces, reaching beyond urban centres and metros.
“We have our own narrative and story to tell, one that has been formed by our diversity and similarities, adversities and achievements. Books are the richest format of stories and one of the best ways to let the world know who we are, a way to take Africa to the world and not only bring the world to Africa,” says Elitha van der Sandt, Chief Executive Officer of the SABDC.
Special thanks to Gauteng Department of Arts & Culture, FP&MSeta, SABC Foundation, South African Book Council, National Arts Council of South Africa (NAC), City of Polokwane, Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality, Western Cape Department of Cultural Affairs.