It is with excitement that I stand before you, representing my country, South Africa, as we participate yet again in the Gothenburg Book Fair, where words take flight and imagination knows no bounds, which is a testament to our shared love for books and the enduring legacy of human creativity.
In September 2022, South Africa participated as the Guest of Honour at the Book Fair and we appreciate the honor that was bestowed on us. In 2023, we bring the same enthusiasm as we represent South Africa and share with the Book Fair our exciting children’s literature. I must indicate that our participation in this festival is not an isolated matter, but it defines the relationship that South Africa and Sweden share.
As part of our 2022 participation, we launched a book written by the late Ambassador Lindiwe Mabuza, detailing the relationship that South Africa has with Sweden. Gothenburg Book Fair is an important platform for us to nurture and expand our relations. It is through literature, the written word, that our relations are strengthened with the global community, from one generation to the next. It is through literature that as a people, we share our experiences and find better ways to deal with life’s challenges.
The theme for South Africa’s 2023 participation is: “SHARING STORIES: UNDER THE BAOBAB TREE”.
This theme explores storytelling and building common roots under the Baobab tree. In traditional African society, traditional leaders and elders would hold meetings under the Baobab tree. The Baobab tree is commonly used as a meeting place for community members or where children gather to listen to stories narrated by elders. These trees also make their presence felt in stories and traditional folk tales. These huge trees also provide shade and shelter as well as water, nourishment and medicine. It is from this particular vantage point and their respective locations in different parts of South Africa that the authors speak to each other, to their readers and to the world.
Our delegation of South African authors, poets and storytellers are excited to share their stories with you. Zakes Mda, Lynn Joffe, Refiloe Moahloli, Nthabiseng JahRose Jafta, Sihle-isipho Nontshokweni will be hosting a series of interviews, conversations, discussions, readings and spoken word on our exhibition stand over the four days of the Book Fair. By the way, be sure to buy a copy of their books, on sale at the South African stand, and we will have them signed!
Be sure to catch Zakes Mda and Lynn Joffe on the main seminar programme on Sunday from 12H00. Zakes will be tackling the topic of teaching history, building character and Lynn will be in conversation around forging a South African culture through storytelling: the desire for unity in diversity.
Focus on our stand is on children’s literature. I believe that we all appreciate that in order to instil the culture of reading in a nation and the adults of tomorrow, we need to start by exposing children to books from an early age. And book’s in all formats - traditional printed books, e-books and audio books. To this end, three children’s books by South African authors have been translated into Swedish and are displayed on our stand for sale. This initiative we believe will strengthen our relationship with the Swedish community and contribute towards increased book trade between our two countries. Please get yourself a copy of these books today and learn more about our life and culture through the written word.
As I close, I would like to extend my deepest gratitude to the organisers, publishers, authors, and all those who have contributed to making this event, and South Africa’s participation, possible. Your dedication to the written word and the pursuit of knowledge is commendable. Thank you for warmly welcoming us to Gothenburg, and we look forward to sharing our South African literature, culture, diversity and spirit of ubuntu with you.
