The Minister of Arts and Culture, Ms Lulu Xingwana will speak at an official event as part of the National Book Week activities which started on 6 September 2010 and will continue until 13 September 2010.
The minister will speak on 10 September at 14h00 at Museum Africa, Newtown, Johannesburg. This initiative seeks to promote the culture of reading and to profile South African authors.
As part of the Book Week celebrations, ten young persons from the youth empowerment project in Khayelitsha will cycle from Cape Town to Johannesburg.
The aim is to raise awareness about reading and books. The cyclists will interact with the public and encourage them to donate books.
There will be an author's programme under the theme: "Our Voices, Our Stories". The programme will provide an opportunity for South African writers to discuss ways of on developing audiences for South African literature.
It will commence with guest speeches by Mandla Langa and Elinor Sisulu on 11 and 12 September respectively. These will be followed by discussions by writers including PT Mtuze, Dumisani Sibiya, Zukiswa Wanner, Niq Mhlongo, Jo-Anne Richards, Ndumiso Ngcobo, Kopano Matlwa, Thando Mgqolozana, and Angela Makholwa.
The Book Week will also host poetry recitals by young and aspiring poets who will get feedback from some of the leading creative minds in the country.
Professor Keorapetse Kgositsile, Masoja Msiza and Lebo Mashile will convene sessions to assist young poets hone their skills for poetry writing, performance and publishing.
Media enquiries:
Mack Lewele
Cell: 082 450 5076
Minister Xingwana to speak at the inaugural National Book Week
