The City of Johannesburg's Library and Information Services (LIS) hosted a successful celebration of World Book and Copyright Day at Florida Library on 23 April 2026. LIS's Tembani Mseni was the MC, and learners from local schools, Royal College, Florida Park High School and West Rand Private School were invited to soak up the pearls of wisdom dished out by speaker after speaker.
World Book and Copyright Day is a UNESCO global celebration of authors, publishing, and reading, highlighting the need to protect intellectual property. Initiatives encourage reading, foster creativity, and honour authors for bridging cultures and generations. Activities often involve promoting local, aspiring writers and protecting their rights.
Guest speaker was author, actor, TV presenter, and producer Salamina Mosese, who took them through her literary journey, her roots, how South Africa inspired her to write her books and tell its story.
“I have travelled all over the world, and I have to say, there is no country like South Africa. Our cultures, traditions, our foods, where else can you taste chakalaka? Our natural hair, our beautiful landscapes, mountains, rivers, the people. You have a beautiful country. Please celebrate it. Write about it, read an explore the world around you," she said.
Member of the Mayoral Council for Community Development, Cllr Thapelo Amad, lauded the LIS team, stakeholders and participants for the successful event. “Today, I am particularly happy to see young ones determined to continue the legacy that we thought was disappearing," said the MMC.
“The written word is a powerful force that has made the world a better place through change. As the City, we urge the authors, actors and all creatives to keep the fires burning, to never allow disruptors such as technology to kill the spirit of old school storytelling. Keep telling those beautiful south African stories."
The programme also featured insights from Dariol Wicomb of Oxford University Press, who unpacked the journey of a book before publication, offering valuable knowledge about the publishing process.
Words of encouragement were further shared by Skeem Sam actor Mkhulu Dlamini, who reminded learners that reading remains a powerful gateway to knowledge and personal growth.
Written by Maseipati Tsotsotso
23/04/2026
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