Pretoria – Reading will ensure that South Africa’s diversity and unique heritage unites the nation, says Arts and Culture Deputy Minister Rejoice Mabudafhasi.
“Reading will take us on a journey to discover who are we as a people and embrace our diversity. It is said that a nation that does not preserve its culture and heritage is a lost nation,” Deputy Minister Mabudafhasi said.
She was speaking on Wednesday at the 6th Funda Mzantsi National Championship in George in the Western Cape.
The Centre for the Book’s Funda Mzantsi Championship project was initiated in response to a survey conducted by the South African Book Development Council in 2007 on general reading habits in South African communities. The report of the survey revealed that South Africa is not a reading nation.
The championship instils the love of reading, teaches participants on how to improve their book reviewing techniques and cultivates the ability to publicly engage in fruitful debates.
“I appeal to all of you to promote this important initiative of encouraging the nation to value reading as a fun and pleasurable activity, and to showcase how reading can easily be incorporated into one’s daily lifestyle,” she said.
More than 30 book clubs including inmates from different correctional facilities and learners from different schools descended on George to compete against their peers at the 6th Funda Mzatsi National Championship.
“The usage of indigenous languages in this championship demonstrates that we are a country that embraces diversity.
“South Africa belongs to all who live in it and we are united in our diversity. South Africans are socially diverse, yet are united by their love for our country,” Deputy Minister Mabudafhasi said. – SAnews.gov.za
