02 May 2023

Minister of Youth, Gender, Sport and Culture, Tumiso Rakgare is expected to officiate at this year’s World Book and Copyright Day, which will be commemorated in Sehithwa in the Ngamiland District on May 4.

The day will be commemorated under the theme: Promoting the Use of Indigenous Languages Through Reading and Writing. 

The day is internationally commemorated on April 23 to promote reading and to encourage people to support bookstores and libraries.

The day celebrates those who have made significant contributions to writing books, poems, songs, plays and stories for the promotion of social cohesion and progression of humanity.

The day is also aimed at raising awareness about the importance of copyright protection and the role it plays in ensuring the sustainability of the publishing industry.

Youth coordinator in the North West District, Tshoganetso Mahupe said preparations were at an advanced stage and that they were expecting authors, publishers and scholars from Okavango Research Institute and Botswana Open University as well as the district leadership and members of the public to grace the event.

Mahube also said the day was aimed at creating a platform for members of the public to share and exchange best ideas for improved reading and a culture of writing as well as to assist librarians, publishers and booksellers to foster a culture of reading and writing.

She added that the day would also promote copyright Self-portraits from Italy’s Uffizi Galleries, currently showcased in Beijing.

Mahupe also said the theme was appropriate as it encouraged Batswana authors to write and publish books in ‘our various languages’.

“The aim of the theme is to promote access to information through various languages in recognition of the diversity of cultures,” she said.

Ms Mahupe also noted that they would have competitions for learners from primary, junior and secondary schools. 

She said primary school learners would compete on spelling, junior scholers would debate while senior school pupils would write essays. 

A book review will also be done at the kgotla and participants will be given an opportunity to critique it and also participate in a storytelling session.

She said Khoemacau Copper Mine would also donate books to Legotlhwane Primary School and the village reading room.

The celebrations will start with a march from Water Utilities Corporation to Sehithwa show grounds at 6am and members of the public are encouraged to come in numbers to celebrate the day. ends