Press release
Issued by the wRite associates
For immediate release
18 February 2020

The Miriam Tllai Reading and Book Club joins the world in celebrating International Mother
Language Day, 22nd February 2020, 13H00 to 15H00 at the wRite associates, 74 Mimosa
Road, Randpark Ridge,
Featuring the SALA 2019 Children’s Literature Award winner, Ms Lebogang Masango, the
Club will focus the discussion around her book ‘ Mpumi’s Magic Beads” which has also been
translated into South Africa’s eleven (11) official languages.

“it is our deliberate effort to continue to showcase the good work of South Africa’s writers,
especially those that have been awarded the South African Literary Awards. It is important
that honouring our writers does not just end with an accolade, but we continue to engage them
and their work at various levels. This year, SALA, through the Miriam Tlali Reading and Book
Club and other legacy platforms, will rollout a robust campaign profiling all the SALA winners
in the 15 years of its existence. This will serve to mark its 15th Anniversary”, remarked Mr Raks
Seakhoa, the Managing Director of the wRite associates, the custodian of the South African
Literary Awards.

International Mother Language Day (IMLD) is a worldwide annual observance declared so by
UNESCO in 1999. It has been observed throughout the world since 21 February 2000. its
significance being to promote the preservation and protection of all languages.
Lebogang Masango, an Anthropology PhD student, Award-winning author (2019 SALA
Children’s Award for her book – Mpumi’s Magic Beads), UNICEF SA Advocate, Poet and
KayaFM narrator, will give us the insight of her book. The session will also address issues
around the Mother Language status especially in South Africa.

Named after and in honour of the veteran author and activist, Ms Miriam Masoli Tlali, who was
honoured with the SALA Lifetime Achievement Literary Award in 2005, the Miriam Tlali
Reading and Book Club was established in June 2009, by the wRite associates in order to
profile, promote and explore the literary jewels that South Africa is in possession of.
For confirmation of attendance and more information, please write to:
info@writreassocioates.co.za or visit www.writeassociates.co.za
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