Books truly are the key to freedom and self-empowerment. In order to better society and humanity at large, the education of the populace is paramount – Not only in terms of academia, but to expand ones’ mind with the opinions of scores of thinkers before us. The more you read, the more you want to read. This piece from SAPA discusses exactly what Alec was on about in his Undictated column about his fellow bookworm, Cyril Ramaphosa opening a new library in Khayelitsha. Have a read of both, it’ll do you good. – CH
From the South African Press Association
Deputy President Cyril Ramaphosa on Wednesday said that reading was essential for freedom and a better future.
“Books are essential for freedom… For a nation reading is a gateway to a different, better future,” he said in a speech prepared for delivery at the Youth Engagement Harare Library in Khayelitsha, Cape Town.
“[Books] allow a person to break free from the chains of ignorance and intolerance… Literature is a powerful tool for social dialogue, cohesion and nation building.”
Although the country had many good libraries and writers, only 14 percent of South Africans were active book readers, he said.
“A mere five percent of parents read to their children. We must change that.
“There should be no substitute for books in the lives of young people. Our youth must be addicted to reading, not drugs, alcohol or izikhothane [showmanship] culture.” – SAPA
