READ-A-THON BY TUMELO KHOZA KA PHAHLA

Written by Tumelo Khoza Ka Phahla

I read that 90% of the population buys gadgets and TV sets, and have never seen the interior of a bookshop. Only about 10% buys books. With deep disappointment, I thought to myself, sourly “Hee hee… people really know how to rob themselves of a wealth of knowledge.” I, therefore, have written this piece to remind you, dear reader, of the importance of reading, especially if you consider the fact that World Book Day is upon us on the 23rd of April to celebrate books and authors and encourage the youth to discover the pleasure of reading. However, before I even dwell on the facts of World Book Day, we will first have to establish if we, in the Vaal, take literature seriously as an art form: Which writer from the Vaal whose book you have bought or read? Does the department of sports, recreation, arts and culture and libraries in our municipality create enough platforms for open engagement on wellness and development of our writers? Do we have up-to-par writers/storytellers who can take up the challenge of writing Vaal into existence? Who are they? Can we create a thriving literary culture? Methinks not. Well, at least not with this pace. If there’s any resolution I have for the Vaal (and perhaps impose), is for local libraries to make mandatory procurements of the books by Vaal authors, for our municipality to endorse literary events like book festivals and writing workshops/ competitions to nurture a Vaal-based teen who dreams of becoming a writer in the tomorrows to come and for local authors, writers and readers alike to raise their hands and have symposiums where dialectics are exchanged to revive the literary scene in the region. Also, do we, as the creatives, roll our sleeves and approach the municipality and the private sector with robust ideas and innovations about literary events? I know not of, and therefore, I can speak not of. One such event is the Nosetsang Metso Literature Festival in Evaton, under the stewardship of Pearl Khumalo and the award-winning Sbusiso Manqa (big ups to them for this initiative). I wrote extensively about this in my sophomore book UnABC. I attempted to depict, although not in the most accurate of details, how reading improves community cohesion and increases cognitive abilities. Of this remembrance, I pondered: “Nothing fuels stereotypes like ignorance. Reading suspends your disbelief, it makes you understand social dynamics – it also gives you wisdom, and wisdom is prophetic. Akili ni mali, a Swahili expression says.” I might be biased. But reading, dear reader, increases your comprehension, as the content you consume will boost your mental stimulation.

But beyond that, it enhances your vocabulary and better your analytical and thinking skills, which will consequently save you from ignorance and the banana skin of saying foolish things on social media, during radio interviews, etc. Knowledge is power, remember? Read every day. If you used to be a reader and no longer are, start small with the The 016 Magazine – and with books by local authors, including but not limited to; Karabo Nkoli, Ntate Tshehla Mosia, Lerato Thabe, Nkosi Moremoholo, Khanyisile Galela, Teboho Moholoane and the now no more Xoli Nosenga. Two pages daily. Three pages. Ten pages. Your brain will thank you.

Deal? Great.

Happy World Book Day!

* Tumelo Khoza Ka Phahla is an author of Enough of No Hope and UnABC. He is a Vaal based author who always strives to encourage others to read.