adminReckson Mandizvidza Entertainment Reporter
Organisers of the Zimbabwe International Book Fair say they are prepared to host the main edition of the fair set for July 28 to August 2 in Harare. Regional editions of the fair have been marred by lack of funding with the Masvingo fête being cancelled on the last minute, but organisers have assured stakeholders that the main event will go according to plan.
Speaking at a Press conference in Harare, chairman of ZIBF Musaemura Zimunya said the organisation has put everything in place to ensure a smooth flow of this year’s edition, which runs under the theme, “Indigenous Languages, Literature Art and Knowledge Systems of Africa”.
“ZIBF is more than prepared to hold the main edition of our 2014 book fair and the nation should expect a lot of activities lined up for this year,” he said.
Zimunya said this year’s theme has been necessitated by the overwhelming submissions on the subject of African languages amongst related factors.
“This year’s theme has been chosen following wide consultations as well as compelling factors such as the overwhelming submissions on the subject of African languages, literatures, heritages and knowledge systems. The patterns and benefits of the use of African medicines and the dangers of losing valuable health practices due to prejudice and neglect have also necessitated it.
“There were also compelling indications from the 2013 ZIBF Writers Workshop regarding the urgency to recognise African languages, literatures and art forms as creative media and repositories of knowledge systems as deserving the same attention as English and other languages,” he said.
This year’s edition will feature activities like The Indaba Conference, Book Exhibitions, Young Persons Indaba, The Writers, Publishers, Book Sellers and Librarians Workshop, recently introduced Literary Evenings and folk performances as well as Meet the Author Sessions.
Zimunya, however, showed disappointment over the rise of book piracy which has affected sales of original books.
“Sadly, the book industry has suffered calamitously from the national economic meltdown as well as the rampant book piracy which has culminated in the creation of a parallel “mafia economy” run by intellectual property robber barons and cynical book thieves.
“On a positive note, ZIBF is proud to be playing its part in facilitating the reorganisation of the industry and one of the measures include programmes promoting awareness of the crime of violation of intellectual property as well as engaging the police and other stakeholders to work together,” he said.
Founded in 1983, ZIBF as an association of book publishing industry stakeholders of Zimbabwe has mandates that include bringing together primary, key and secondary stakeholders of the book industry to celebrate the achievements of the sector through discussions, exhibitions and live literature.
The organisation also oversees the provision of platforms for showcasing innovative ideas as well as complementing the Government’s universal literacy drive through relevant writing and publishing.
Online Reporter