The Minister of Information Communications and Technology, MP Dumisani Ndlangamandla, joined the Minister of Education and Training, MP Phineas Magagula and children from schools in the Hhohho region in celebration of the World Book and Copyright Day at Nkhaba Inkhundla on April 3, 2014. The theme of this year’s event is: ‘Development Unusual: Libraries, Citizens and Societies coming together for knowledge’. The event began with a march from Malolotja to Nkhaba Sports Ground where children from schools around the area rendered all types of entertainment including poetry, ummiso, sibhaca, choral music and a reading competition.
Left: Pupils from Nkhaba Pre-School render a poem while pupils from Ekufikeni Primary School display their skill in ummiso
Minister Ndlangamandla explained that World Book and Copyright Day was not only commemorated in Swaziland, but as a day that has been designated by the United Nations Educational, Science and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO), was celebrated in more than 100 countries all over world. “As the national and global economy becomes knowledge based, everyday knowledge gains a special place as an essential tool for economic development,” the Minister said. The Minister noted that information acquired through reading would make Swazi citizens powerful and their decisions and occupational futures more stable, which would in turn; help to lift Swaziland’s standing in the world. The Minister of Education said the celebration of this day was in line with the Ministry’s mandate to provide access to education. “Swaziland has made great strides towards the achievement of the second Millennium Development Goal by introducing free primary school education for all. We are using the book as an instrument of knowledge,” Minister Magagula said.
(From L) Acting PS ICT Vumile Dlamini. Minister Dumisani Ndlangamandla, Minister Phineas Magagula, Hhohho RA Tsekedi and Director SNLS Joy Dlamini
The Director of the Swaziland National Library Services, Mrs. Joy Dlamini, said World Book and Copyright Day was a day to celebrate books and authors. She said it was a day in which respect for books was emphasized and reading culture encouraged among children and their parents. “Children should know about libraries and their parents should encourage them to visit them,” she said.
The event was attended by the Director of Macmillan Busisiwe Simelane, the Director of UNESCO Hazel Zungu, the Principal of Sebenta, Representatives of FODSWA, Representatives of Booksellers and the Republic of China on Taiwan, Teachers and school children. Also present was the Deputy Speaker in the House of Assembly, MP Esther Dlamini, former Director of the Swaziland National Library Services Nomsa Mkhwanazi and the Chief Executive Officer of the Swaziland Television Authority (STVA).