The Southern Times
By Jonathan Mbiriyamveka
26 June 2009
Organisers of the Zimbabwe International Book Fair have set July 27 as the date for the opening of this year’s showcase.
Last year the fair failed to take place owing to financial constraints, but it is now back with more local authors in store.
Some of the local authors expected to grace this year’s editions are Shimmer Chinodya, Ignatius Mabasa, Charles Mungoshi, Chirikure Chirikure and Virginia Phiri among others.
Several topics have also been lined up for the traditional Indaba session, which is the only event that audiences have to pay for to attend.
Among the topics to be discussed is media reading and writing which will probe issues centred on the presentation of media stories.
Journalist Caesar Zvayi and broadcaster Supa Mandiwanzira, to mention just a few, are expected to facilitate the session.
Children’s reading and writing is another topic that will focus on writing children’s books that capture the imagination of the young at heart.
ZIBF acting director Greenfield Chilongo said the theme for the fair is “Reading and Writing, Zimbabwe”, centred on encouraging authors in writing literary works focusing on national issues rather than having local readers relying on international books.
“The motive behind the theme is to highlight issues on writing about Zimbabwe, focusing on national issues and improving writing for its curriculum,” he said.
Chilongo commended the financial assistance they received from the Culture Fund, a whooping US$10 000 grant, which he said would go a long way in assisting them in making the event a success.
The Minister of Education, Arts, Sport and Culture, Senator David Coltart, is expected to officially open the book fair.