READING is seen as one powerful tool that can help people broadedn their understanding of issues around them.

  In a bid to promote a reading culture, Tlokwe local municipality partnered with Kajeno Media hosted a book reading event called Rutanang Book Fair at Madiba Banquet Hall in Potchefstroom last week.

  The event was organised by Kgauhelo Dube from Kajeno Media. Dube said the aim was to create a platform where reading books can be made fun and enjoyable. She said they called the event Long Story Short inquest to encourage reading mentality within the society.

  “Everyone knows that reading is important. However we have to ask ourselves why that is so. We need to find out the reason why reading is so important for us. So we can get a brand new desire to explore the world of reading. We engaged with various stakeholders like the department of culture, arts and traditional affairs in North West and the Tlokwe local municipality.

  “We also brought celebrities into our midst to encourage the youth. We also recorded the event during the reading proceeding. The aim is to upload the material on our YouTube page so that it can be accessible to anyone,” Dube said.

  According to Dube, the event will be annual. One of the writers was award-winning Sabata Mokae and North West born actor, Presley Chweneyagae. Mokae said reading exposes oneself to new things.

  “Through reading, you expose yourself to new things like new information and new ways to deal with problems. Sometimes you might actually explore one thing you really like and it may end up becoming your career and success in the future. Exploration begins from reading and understanding.

  “Reading does help you form a better you. We might understand the world better through reading. We can also learn how to build self confidence. Reading exposes you to a world of imagination, showing you nothing is impossible in this world. Nowadays you will see that children do not copy at school because of their participation in social networks,” Mokae said.

  He said the use of writing deteriorate because pupils use different way of writing on social networks. Mokae said pupils must make use of social networks to their advantage.

  “I would like to encourage pupils to make use of social networks to their advantage. They must post informative information and also they can share ideas. I regard social networks as double-edged sword. It can help to bring out the better society or it can contribute to the deteriorating of educational standard amongst the youth,” he said.

  Actor Presley Chweneyagae said: “The aim of the event was to decolonise literature. We encourage our people to write and read in their own mother tongue. There are many stories that need to be told from our background. So the initiative will help in achieving that mark. I was reading a book called Ga Ke Modisa written by Sabata Mpho Mokae.

  “Reading improves one’s mind. It helps in any actions you take on anything. Reading is an essential way which can help you out. In today’s world, getting reviews and feedback from other people can make a big impact on your next decision.”

Tlokwe local municipality mayor, Kgotso Khumalo shared the same sentiments. Khumalo encouraged the society to read and said he reads a lot even through his busy schedule. He said reading broaden one’s mind.
-TDN
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