The Deputy Minister of Arts and Culture Rejoice Mabudafhasi recently donated over 1000 books to Krugersdorp Correctional Centre, in Mogale City as part of government’s Door to Door Reading Campaign.
The Door to Door Reading Campaign is part of World Book and Copyright Day (also known as International Day of the Book or World Book Day), a yearly event celebrated on 23 April initiated by United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) to promote reading, publishing and copyright.
Krugersdorp Correctional Centre received a variety of books ranging from English, Afrikaans, indigenous languages to poems. Mabudafhasi, who was accompanied by an entourage of librarians, scholars and other senior officials of the Department of Correctional Services, said the initiative was aimed at instilling a culture of reading among young people.
The Deputy Minister explained that the programme is not limited to rehabilitation centres but also extended to schools, old age homes, home based care and early childhood development centres.
“Books are an important part of our heritage. We have been donating books to schools so that our kids understand their culture and are able to express themselves about their origin. Reading books will also help our people to learn more about national symbols that are unique to our country and to sing the national anthem with pride,” Mabudafhasi explained.
Before handing over the books to the Acting Regional Commissioner of Correctional Services Mandla Mkhabela and Krugersdorp Correctional Centre Commissioner Mantombi Mbebe, the Deputy Minister said inmates together with the staff must make good use of the books.
“I’m happy to be part of this event and donate books to our inmates as well as the staff. Reading is one of the best ways to build character and this donation will help create an environment that contributes to offenders becoming better than they were as and when they are released from prison.”
“A reading nation is an informed nation so we want to urge everyone to at least read one book to their children and family members every day. We hope that this facility and the staff will appreciate these new additions to their library and make good use of them,” Mabudafhasi said.
Acting National Commissioner of Correctional Services Zachariah Modise was also happy and said: “We are honoured as a department to have the Deputy Minister visiting our facilities to donate books. This really shows that government has a programme for facilities and we wish to extend our deepest gratitude for this help.”
Centre for the Book Executive Head Mandlakayise Matyumza added his voice and said: “We are honoured as a centre to be part of this initiative. This donation highlights the importance of reading and what books can do to change the face of our nation. We also want to encourage our children to start reading at least one book a month; this will help them appreciate the art of reading.”
7de Laan actor David Christo and Philani Dladla also known as the Pavement Bookworm, attended the event and gave motivational talks about the importance of books. The event was held in partnership with Merafong Local Municipality, Mogale City Local Municipality and the Centre for the Books, an outreach unit of the National Library of South Africa.