National Book has been celebrated around the country from September 7 to 13.
“The importance of reading in order to achieve success in life is a foundation for an individual and essential for nation building and social cohesion.
The Department of Arts and Culture’s Mzansi Golden Economy strategy recognises the power of the sector to contribute to job creation, poverty reduction, skills development and above all, economic growth,” Mabudafhasi said.
The #BUYABOOK campaign was established to encourage South Africans to read more often.
According to statistics only 14 per cent of South Africans read books and half the country doesn’t own a single leisure book in their home.
National Book Week is currently in its sixth week, and is the country’s most successful annual reading campaign that has received support from ambassadors, musicians and storytellers.
The bus tour and mascot were unveiled by Mabudafhasi, who said the ribbon symbolises the release of love and knowledge of books all over.
All the events will promote vital messages to encourage reading as a fun activity in different provinces where provinces will specifically have programmes to meet their demands. This will be done to promote indigenous languages local authors and access to libraries.
Residents can participate in National Book week by visiting their local book stores to participate in the #BUYABOOK campaign, including communities, churches, social groups, libraries and anyone who wants to participate in the campaign.
Metro FM’s afternoon drive co-host Refiloe Mpakanyane is the ambassador.
