25/08/2025
Mogalakwena Today... Building Communities.
Charles Makgati
Books, Writers & Publisher Dialogue.
Limpopo Arts and Culture Council hosted a dialogue for books, writers and publishers at the Old Mogalakwena Chambers on August 21,2025. The event brought together writers publisher and librarian to discuss development of writing and publishing as a business. Kenny Mathivha a key presenter, highlighted that Waterberg Region has five delects while Se-Venda has four delects .He noted that the council has previously discussed issues facing book distribution and writers , but the focus of this event was on growing the industry.
State of Writing and Publishing.
Mathivha emphasized that soccer league generate billions from sponsorship while writers and publishers struggle due to working in silos . He stressed that collaboration is key to success , citing his own experience running a campus magazine at Turfloop University ."Writers are the engine of the society changing minds of scared people."he elaborated.
However , he expressed disappointment that most libraries are empty , citing the Waterberg head of libraries declined their invetation.
Promoting Local Content.
Mpho Mahlakanya, panelist , noted that book reviewer often focus on offshore writers , neglecting local talent . Mr Hlaudi Motseoneng former head of SABC set a precedent by giving SA artist hundred percent air play. The discussion highlighted the need to structure the book value chain reduce reliance on foreign publisher and promote local content .
This will enable African book publishing to emerge as a vital sector for the economy development and job creation , and cultural empowerment.
Challenge and Opportunities.
The dialogue identified several challenges including limited access to books in the rural communities , a lack of law addressing the book publishing industry and inadequate investment in bookstore and distribution network.With approximately 13,000 bookstore in the continent, South Africa lead with 1,949 libraries but each library serves approximately around 40,000 people . Small publishing companies face hurdles in contracting , procurement , while big companies have an advantage .
The Way Forward
The discussion emphasized the importance of installing a culture of reading encouraging children to read books , providing creative writing workshop for teachers . With the rise of social media , parents must monitor their children's on activities . The event concluded with an election of interim council for the Waterberg Region with Joe Mashoga as a chairman , Mogadi Letsholo as Deputy and Mr Rakabole as secretary.
