The Library Service of the Department of Cultural Affairs and Sport (DCAS) celebrated National Book Week (NBW) from 4 to 6 September 2017 with a range of fun-filled reading related activities in Matjiesfontein and Laingsburg.
DCAS partnered with the Department of Arts and Culture (DAC), the South African Book Development Council (SABDC) and the Laingsburg Municipality to launch the NBW in the Western Cape on 4 September at the Matjiesfontein Community Hall. The 2017 theme #OurStories celebrates South Africa’s heritage, its diversity and rich stories and the #Buyabook and #Readabook awareness campaigns encouraged people to read and share books with those who do not have books.
The vibrant riel dance performance from Kuierkraal and upbeat hip hop performances by Ashwin “Lyric” Hannes set the tone for the launch in our province. Learners from Matjiesfontein Primary School and Cotlands kept the audience captivated with a powerful roleplay of the tale of the Three Little Pigs. Each year celebrities lend their names, time and energy to the campaign and travel as ambassadors across the country to speak about the role that books have played in their lives. Cape Town-based Kenno Lee participated as an Ambassador at the launch and shared the importance of how reading ultimately helped him to achieve his dream of becoming an actor. Another highlight at the launch was the book donations to the Matjiesfontein Mini Library, Laingsburg Library, Goldnerville Mini Library and Vleiland Mini Library.
DCAS is committed to building knowledgeable and informed communities. Let us continue to celebrate books, reading and libraries BETTER TOGETHER.
Dr Tania Colyn
Head of Communication Service
Department of Cultural Affairs and Sport
Tel: 021 483 9877 / 076 093 4913
E-mail: Tania.Colyn@westerncape.gov.za