P Jordan to launch reprint of South African Literary Classics project,
17 Feb

5 February 2009

The Minister of Arts and Culture, Dr Z Pallo Jordan invites members of the
media to a launch of the reprint of South African Literary Classics project. In
line with our task to preserve South Africa’s literary heritage, the Department
of Arts and Culture (DAC) has tasked the National Library of South Africa to
reprint our indigenous languages literary classics.

Speaking at the DAC’s 2008 budget vote, Minister Jordan said, “Publishing
literature in the indigenous languages is self evidently an area with the
greatest potential. The reluctance of the mainstream publishing industry to
venture into African language publishing has convinced us to intervene.”
Significantly, the project is part of the government wide campaign to promote
the culture of reading and writing, thereby reducing illiteracy.

27 titles have been reprinted for this launch. They include works of authors
such as SEK Mqhayi, S Nyembezi, ML Bopape, SP Lekaba, TN Maumela and others.
The titles will be available in public libraries and booksellers nationally.
Minister Jordan will officiate at the event. Details of the occasion are:

Date: 17 February 2009
Time: 17h30
Venue: National Library of South Africa, 228 Proes Street, Pretoria

Media enquiries:
Mr Andrew Malotle
Cell 072 211 1595

RSVP:
Mr Mpho Matjele
Cell 072 218 5657

Issued by: Department of Arts and Culture
5 February 2009