UP Bookjol to celebrate University of Pretoria Centenary

From 5-8 March 2008 the University of Pretoria Libraries will host a Bookjol: four days of reading pleasure at the Hatfield Campus!  

Well known English writers will take part in the programme:  Sindiwe Magona, Michiel Heyns, Peter Horn, Darryl Accone, Fred Khumalo, Chris Mann, Sally-Ann Murray, Kobus Moolman, Ingrid de Kok, Anton Krueger, David Medalie, Chris Walton and Chris van Wyk. Shimmer Chinodya, winner of the Noma award, is from Zimbabwe.

The participating  Afrikaans writers  are alumni of the university:  Joan Hambidge, Hans du Plessis, Johann Lodewyk Marais, Piet Haasbroek, Dolf van Niekerk, PG du Plessis, Jeanette Ferreira, Cas Vos, Helene de Kock, Henning Pieterse and Charl-Pierre Naudé.

The African languages are represented by Jerry Mojalefa (Sepedi), Buti Skhosana (Ndebele), Mandla Maphumulo (isiZulu) and Vanoni Bila (Tshivenda).

Publishers and booksellers will exhibit and sell books in the Rautenbach Hall.

Twenty+  international publishers will introduce us to their latest  e-books. On Friday 7 March this phenomenon and its influence will be explored during a one day symposium. 

TUKSbooks  which have been written by UP staff, students and alumni will be exhibited in the Villa Museum. This exhibition will be accompanied by the UniverCity series: informal talks by local experts about their fascinating work.

Young readers are particularly welcome. Every day will have a  kids/youth programme. On Thursday 6 March 600 learners from schools in Pretoria will be our guests. Well known writers of youth literature, Anzil Kulsen, Sarah Britten, Nokutula Mazibuko, Fanie Viljoen, Jaco Jacobs, Carina Diedericks-Hugo and Helen Brain will be assisted by puppets and storybook characters. 

The  opening function will be on 5 March, 19:00.  Dr Mathews Phosa, poet and senior politician will be the guest speaker. Two well known awards for youth literature will be made, followed by a production by the Departement of Drama. Send a message to bookjol@up.ac.za if you want to want to attend. Entrance is free.

Concerts by the university choirs and orchestra, street musicians and art exhibitions will add to the festivities.