By: Fundiswa Nkwanyana
Photo credit: South African Book Development Council (SABDC)
Musician, radio and TV presenter Stoan Seate tells us about being the National Book Week ambassador and his love for reading.
1. My mother used to buy me books instead of toys. I learnt to read at an early age because I was raised in a home packed with books. I enjoyed reading books filled with nursery rhymes and fairytales that opened up my imagination. As I grew older, I continued reading because it made me see the world in a different light.
2. I now enjoy reading books that tell African stories. We have great African authors that are telling our stories in an inspiring and authentic way. It is important to read books that talk about our cultural diversity and rich heritage. Many South Africans are also writing great books; I can’t wait to read Somizi Mhlongo’s book titled Dominoes.
3. As a father, I make sure that my kids have access to books. I started reading with them from an early age because I wanted to instill a reading culture within my family. They are now avid readers, and I hope that they become reading adults who will pass on the culture to the next generation.
4. I’m honoured to be the National Book Week ambassador. I’m excited that I will be doing what I love. That is to encourage parents to read to their kids and to motivate people to buy and read more books. During the book week, I’ll be travelling to the North West to promote the culture of reading in that province.
The 8th annual National Book Week will run from 4 to 10 September 2017.
