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The "Librarian's Choice of the Top Ten Books" published in South Africa during this decade of democracy
(1994-2004) that focus on issues of democracy or contribute to the consolidation of our new democracy are:
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Country of my skull
by Antjie Krog
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Long Walk to Freedom
by Nelson Mandela
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Disgrace
by J M Coetzee
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A place called Vatmaar (also in Afrikaans)
by AHM Scholtz
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The Day Gogo went to vote (also in Xhosa)
by Elinor Sisulu
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Beyond the miracle
by Allister Sparks
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Triomf
by Marlene van Niekerk
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Madonna of Excelsior
by Zakes Mda
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Madiba Magic: Nelson Mandela's favourite stories for children
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A change of tongue
by Antjie Krog
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At the launch of the 2004 South African Library Week at the City Hall, Cape
Town, on 13 March 2004, Elinor Sisulu, Allister Sparks and Antjie Krog read
poignant excerpts from their books. Royston Stoffels sang and dramatised
excerpts from the production of "Vatmaar".
To view the covers of all ten titles, please visit: http://www.nlsa.ac.za/exhibitions.html
Top Ten to be available in SA libraries
At the LIASA annual conference in 2003, library and information workers were asked to nominate
the top ten books published that most support the ideals of and contribute to the growth of democracy.
The books had to have been published since 1994 and be written by South Africans.
208 titles were nominated and a list of the top ten publications was announced at the
launch of South African Library Week at the Central Public Library in Cape Town on 13 March 2004.
Library workers have set themselves the challenge of ensuring that most libraries in the country have
at least one copy of every title on the list. Nohra Moerat and Ingrid Thomson, the organisers of the
competition, feel that these works are absolutely essential required reading.
Apart from being a celebration of 10 years of democracy, these writings will also inspire
and strengthen South African resolve to turn the tide of history in Africa, creating a new Renaissance.
MEC for Cultural Affairs and Sport, Mr. Patrick McKenzie has been invited to open Library Week.
The National Archivist Dr. Graham Dominy will also give a presentation on policy matters affecting libraries and archives.
There will be a supporting programme of book displays, reading aloud and cultural performances.
As we enter our second decade of democracy it is important to reinforce the vital role of reading for development.
Library Week 2004 is the ideal opportunity to further this aim
and celebrate being Proudly South African.
Inquiries: Ingrid Thompson:
ingrid@uctlib.uct.ac.za or
Nohra Moerat: nohram@etv.co.za
Media Release March 2004:
Library workers, the literary lions of Africa
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