reading among African language speakers
20 February 2007
The Minister of Arts and Culture, Dr Z Pallo Jordan, will launch two new
publications, 'Imida'and 'Umthi Ngamnye Unentlaka Yawo' in the
government-sponsored initiative to promote writing and reading in the
indigenous Xhosa language.
The event to will see the launch of 'Imida,' a collection of Xhosa essays
and 'Umthi Ngamnye Unentlaka Yawo', an anthology of Xhosa short stories. This
will take place at the Gugasithebe Community Cultural Centre, Washington Avenue
in Langa Township from 2 pm on Saturday, 24 February 2006.
Both books have been edited by cultural activist and prolific writer,
Sindiwe Magona.
The project is a joint venture between the Department of Arts and Culture
and Xhosa Realities, a publishing initiative spearheaded by renowned writer and
cultural activist, James Matthews, to encourage writing and reading in
Xhosa.
In 2006 the project launched three new books, including 'Amazwi Amatsha'
edited by Abner Nyamande, 'Kubantwana baba ntwana bam' by Sindiwe Magona and
'Ndenzeni' by Nomvuyo Ngceleni.
Founder of the project, James Matthews, said: "The project was launched to
address the scarcity of literature in the Xhosa language. We are very glad that
when we approached the Minister about the project, he embraced it with both
arms and has provided us with all the material and support to help us get it
off the ground.
"I have always felt it is imperative to alleviate the problem of lack of
books in African indigenous languages. One hopes this will result in the
elevation of the Xhosa language through both corporate and public support to
make this literature accessible to more people, especially in schools."
Minister Jordan hopes that the Xhosa Realities project would spur other
African language speakers to play an active role in the writing of indigenous
literature, thus boosting their status and profile.
"It is the mandate of the Ministry to promote language equity as enshrined
in the constitution of the country. We are glad that someone of the calibre of
renowned writer like James Matthews has taken it upon himself to do something
to promote writing in Xhosa. We hope more people will take an active interest
in promoting writing and reading in African languages," said Jordan.
Minister Jordan will deliver the keynote address at the book launch this
Saturday.
Event: Book Launch: 'Imida' and 'Umthi Ngamnye Unentlaka Yawo'
Place: Gugasithebe Community Cultural Centre
Address: Washing Avenue, Langa Township
Time: 2â4 pm
Date: 24 February 2006
Admission: Free
Enquiries:
Sandile Memela
Spokesperson for the Ministry of Arts & Culture
Cell: 082 800 3750
Premi Appalraju
Media Liaison Officer
Cell: 082 903 6778
Issued by: Department of Arts and Culture (http://www.dac.gov.za)
20 February 2007
