Call for authors to submit their work

THE Parks, Recreation and Culture Unit of the eThekwini Municipality is spearheading a One City One Book campaign and is calling on authors to nominate their books for this year’s edition. The campaign started in 2013. Msawakhe Mayisela, the spokesperson for the city, said the aim was to empower local authors while encouraging a culture of reading.

“We shortlist books and then choose one book based on our criteria. The aim is for everyone to read and experience that book, and in turn, encourage reading for all.”

He said the chosen book had to represent the demographics and socio-economic dynamics of the city. The book would be made available in all 93 municipal libraries. Nominations close on April 30. The criteria include:

The book should be written by a South African author.

The author must be willing and able to participate in the campaign.

Fiction and non-fiction works are eligible (short stories and poetry are not eligible).

The content of the book must have a broad appeal to the residents of eThekwini and be suitable for readers of diverse demographic groups.

The book must currently be in print and readily available in the local market.

Preference will be given to books that are in versions and formats which cater to various reading levels.

Preference will be given to books that are available in several, if not all, official languages of South Africa.

Some of the previously featured books include: Long Walk to Freedom by Nelson Mandela; Native of Nowhere: The Story on Nat Nakasa by Ryan Brown; The Last Rhinos: The Powerful Story of One Man’s Battle to Save a Species by Graham Spence and Lawrence Anthony; and When the Chalk is Down by BP Singh.

All nominations should be completed electronically and submitted to barbara.sibisi@durban.gov.za. For more information, phone 031 322 2907.