It is on this premise of reading that the eThekwini Municipality has initiated the One City One Book Campaign, aimed at encouraging a culture of reading in society and promoting social cohesion.
The aim of the campaign is to identify one book which members of the community will read over a determined period of time (approximately a year) then engage with the message and content of the book on various platforms across race, culture, class and gender.
The book currently under discussion is Dr Nelson Mandela’s autobiography, Long Walk to Freedom. The book was chosen because of its appeal to a wider audience and its historic significance, particularly as we celebrate 20 years of democracy.
As part of creating public awareness about the initiative, the Municipality will host the One City One Book Relay, which is a symbolic race where athletes and school children will pass on the book from Pufaro Park, Newlands East through KwaMashu and Phoenix and end up at Chris Saunders Park in Umhlanga Rocks. The relay will take place on Saturday 12 April 2014.
The significance of going through the various areas which are predominantly occupied by specific race and class groups is also another way the Municipality is portraying the synergy and thread that links the different areas. There will be various cultural activities happening along the route to create awareness and encourage the culture of reading.
The 20 Years of Freedom Flame will be part of the festivities, as MEC Nomusa Dube-Ncube, Mayor, Cllr James Nxumalo and other dignitaries will be showcasing it along the route.
At Chris Saunders’ Park members of the community will enjoy performances by DreamTeam, iFani, DJ Sox, Oskido and many more artists.
As a build-up to the relay, selected guests will be invited to the screening of the movie, Long Walk to Freedom at the Cine Centre Cinemas on Friday 11 April 2014. Each invited guest will sponsor a movie ticket for a child from the LIV village, an orphanage home. Renowned actress, Terry Phetho will be there to share what her experience of working on the movie was and how reading has changed her life.
