Stanely Mushava Herald Reporter
Primary and Secondary Education Minister Lazarus Dokora said yesterday that the Government will resuscitate the Literature Bureau to create more space for local authors.In his opening statement at the Zimbabwe International Book Fair (ZIBF), Cde Dokora said his ministry would resuscitate the bureau, which folded 1999, to create more Pan-African content for the schools curriculum.

“We should be able to commission some authors in the near future,” he said. “The potential for job creation through a vibrant book industry deserves special focus at this forum.

“We need to encourage and facilitate the expression of local and Pan-African talent in publishing and reading as the foundation of this envisaged revitalisation of the literary arts in Zimbabwe and Africa as a whole.”

The Literature Bureau (1953-1999) was a Government commissioned agency for the promotion of indigenous languages and its demise was lamented for creating a void in the publishing industry.

Minister Dokora said mathematics, science and technology would be mainstreamed into African society through the creative writing and publishing industry.

“Media literacy among the general population would strengthen critical analysis to help address some of the negative attitudes that result in discrimination on grounds such as gender, disability, HIV and Aids,” he said.

Minister Dokora said the Government had to resuscitate the book sector in line with its constitutional obligations which directs the State to promote and create conditions for the development of the newly adopted official languages.

He said that the Government would work to bridge the digital divide and enhance equitable access to reading materials.
“In the context of modern trends, a reading culture among the younger generation must be maintained,” said Minister Dokora.

“Certainly, the hard copy has been complemented by e-books which are retooling i-Pads, kindles and tablets that are available on the current market.

“Through the e-learning policy, the Government of Zimbabwe seeks to close the digital divide through retooling its education delivery system to facilitate both computer literacy and access to a variety of content for learners.”

ZIBF co-founder Mrs Phyllis Johnson said the country had literal talent.
“I should emphasise that this is a well-developed and talented industry in Zimbabwe, but it’s a business and the supply chain needs to be hard working and efficient,” she said.

“It is a dynamic industry that has been and can be again a significant contributor to Zimbabwe’s economic recovery.”
ZIBF is an annual fair that is attended by people form different walks of life, including school children who are given an opportunity to sample some of the displayed material.

 

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