Building a reading nation
Through initiatives such as National Book Week from 2 - 8 September and the SA Book Fair from 6 - 8 September, the SABDC reminds South Africans that reading is not a chore but a pleasure.
Ensuring greater access to books for children is the top priority for the South African Book Development Council (SABDC).
SABDC recently hosted a breakfast for potential partners and sponsors as the council works towards its goal to increase access to books for all South Africans.
“A book takes the reader to a different place. It carries a cultural essence and aids national identity,” said CEO of the SABDC Elitha van der Sandt, who reminded guests that 78% of Grade 4 learners are unable to read for meaning.
She said there is no industry programme to develop books and that investment in this sector is needed.
Through initiatives such as National Book Week from 2 – 8 September and the SA Book Fair from 6 – 8 September, the SABDC reminds South Africans that reading is not a chore but a pleasure.
The book fair is also aimed at enterprise development, identifying new talent and connecting diverse industry players, from seasoned publishers to start-ups.
Caxton Local Media, under the banner of Caxton Cares, is considering ways to bridge the gap in learners’ access to reading material.
Editors are committed to playing a part in helping local schools and organisations gain access to books as well as to sharing their love of reading and languages with the children in our communities.
Van der Sandt said children should have access to books in their home language and not books that were simply translated from English.
“We need to develop languages,” said Mpuka Radinku, executive director of the Publishers’ Association of South Africa (Pasa).
“We must embrace all 11 official languages and allow children the right to read quality content in their mother tongue,” said Dr Zanele Buthelezi from the University of Zululand.
This year’s book fair, #SABF2019, will take place in the Women’s Jail on Constitution Hill at 11 Kotze Street in Johannesburg.
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