Word Fest 2009

It was an assembly of creative minds and heads today as different groups of people ranging from poets, writers and singers, gathered at Eden Grove on Rhodes University campus after a celebratory march through Grahamstown.
Nondwe Tutu of OR Tanbo writers Association, told this writer that s “one of the objectives of the match is to help writers publish their works and also to uplift the standard of their works”. They are also agitating that home languages must be uplifted by writers publishing in isiXhosa, Sesotho etc.
After the MEC of Arts and Culture, Xoliswa Tom had addressed the gathering, the artistes all entered Eden Grove for the official opening of Word Fest 2009. This was an array of endless local music and poetry from different tribes that electrified the whole building.
During the event, the VC of Rhodes University, Dr Saleem Badat gave a wonderful speech where he talked about the importance of education in the development of society. He lamented a generation that has been lost to illiteracy in South Afric, and hoped that the present generation will embrace literature.
Dr. Badat advised the new president to take education Seriously.

Okosun Peter-FJP