Books Open New Worlds for Young Minds | Western Cape Government

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Books Open New Worlds for Young Minds

17 June 2014

"You can achieve your future career goals just by reading". This was the inspirational message by Minister of Cultural Affairs and Sport Dr Nomafrench Mbombo to a group of primary school learners at an interactive storytelling session at the South African Book Fair on 15 June 2014.

Previously known as the Cape Town Book Fair, the event took place at the Cape Town International Convention Centre (CTICC) from 13 to 15 June 2014. The event has established itself as the premier book and publishing exhibition in sub-Saharan Africa.

Minister Mbombo read books in English, Afrikaans and isiXhosa with learners from Eindhoven and Vergenoegd primary schools in Delft, and Isiphiwo and Chumisa primary schools in Khayelitsha. “It is important to read because it develops your brain,” she told them, while sitting in front of them on her knees. “Just like you, I also grew up in a township where people don’t read books that much. But because of reading, I was able to complete three degrees and become a Minister. You can also become a Minister just by reading books,” she added.

The Library Service component of the Department of Cultural Affairs and Sport (DCAS) had a promotions stand at the fair. The story-telling session was facilitated by the DCAS Language Services. Quintus van der Merwe of DCAS said the department is committed to help foster a love of reading among all people in the Western Cape, contributing to higher levels of literacy, especially in schools and at the DCAS Mass Participation, Opportunity and Access, Development and Growth (MOD) Centres. Isiphiwe Primary School learner, Asemahle Gwebu (13), said she loves reading and hopes to become a medical doctor one day. “I feel inspired after today’s visit to the book fest”.

The department and its partners provided book lovers and casual readers from these schools the opportunity to attend the literature experience of a lifetime.

Media Enquiries: 

Siviwe Gwarube
Spokesperson for Minister Mbombo
Tel: 021 483 9800
E-mail: siviwe.gwarube@westerncape.gov.za