06 July, 2009

Festive opening for WordFest!

IsiXhosa writers gathered outside Eden Grove at Rhodes University today at the opening of WordFest 2009.

Proceedings started with a march, with the writers throwing their poetry in a basket. This compilation of poetry will form part of a book called IsiVivane. “This will be the fourth book from the collection done by our department,” said Xolisa Tom, the MEC for Sport, Recreation, Arts and Culture in the Eastern Cape.

Rhodes University Vice Chancellor, Dr Saleem Badat, spoke about the importance of education saying that the institution was Indawo yolwazi (a place of knowledge). He spoke about literacy being the determinant of our society and emphasised the importance of our new president being aware of this.

MEC Tom said that WordFest is a place where much has been discovered, discussed and read.

“It is important that people read and write,” she said, “This part of the festival should not be seen in isolation but rather in the light of developing our society.”

Anele Ngwenya FJP

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