Former President, Dr Kenneth Kaunda has implored writers and other artistes to effectively capture and reflect Zambia’s rich culture and history through their works.
Dr Kaunda said there is need to explore ways of improving skills in creative writing for authors to fully capture Zambia’s rich culture.
He said this in Lusaka yesterday when he officiated at the launch of a book titled ‘The Future Has Arrived’ authored by Grieve Sibale.
“The few published writers, printers and publishers of literary works that we have in this country have complained of low readership levels for books of a general interest such as novels. We know that many in Zambia read textbooks for the purpose of passing examinations,” Dr Kaunda said.
He said this has discouraged local publishers.
Dr Kaunda said publishers have also complained that imported books are usually cheaper because they are brought in tax-free but locally produced ones are generally more expensive because of raw material attracts import duty.
“The publisher Tupelo Honey Industries has helped us publish Grieve’s works, but all of us must work to improve the situation. We need active involvement of writers as individuals and associations,” he said.
Dr Kaunda urged all stakeholders in book production to engage in effective dialogue with Government to find lasting solutions to the challenges the industry faces.
He said this entails initiating a workable and effective Book development policy with Government.
Dr Kaunda also said while Zambia’s population has been growing, the country has not witnessed a corresponding increase in the number of bookshops.
Dr Kaunda expressed concern at the number of mushrooming bars and taverns while there is hardly any increase in the number of libraries being built.
He, however, urged Zambian authors not to relent in writing.
“Let us continue to write good books and explore the possibility of marketing them through the internet as other writers elsewhere are doing. The 21st century has many exciting and challenging business opportunities which we must grab with both hands if we are to succeed in this highly competitive environment,” Dr Kaunda said.
He described the book as impressive, saying it has appropriately infused traditional adages from across the country.
And Mr Sibale said the book, his fifth, is based on his personal reflections and vision of a better Zambia.
I applaud the up coming zambian writers.May we have more of this
Who wrote Mulenga and Jelita by the way?As simple as those readers were,they captured the hearts of Every Zambia who read them! What do Zambian kids read these days? Anyone know?
Good to hear from you after long time KK.This man is great despite some of his weaknesses when he was in power.A Zambian would only realise KK’s and Kalusha Bwalya’s mark when one travels the globe.People out here mention only KK and Kalusha Bwalya!!!!
God bless you KK and Kalusha.
thats true super K
Zambian writers! any way no comments.
# 3 Super K
KK ruled Zambia with an iron hand full of love for the Zambian people. Only a devil would hate the way he governed Zed..
Then Zambia must have been full of devils when he was voted out of office.
You know, some of the statements people make are devoid of thought, really.
The Post hated KK demonised him and now kaFleddie with his little gutter paper vuvuzela for Sata wnats to embrace him….
hahaha zambian writters are good i remember a novel i read called the accusing finger its freaking awsome…….
What history are you talking about wena? You suppressed part of Zambia’s history of BA64. You are partly to blame for what is happening in Barotseland now. This was a blood thirst dictator. How many people have died at your hands?
No Need to blame KK. He is just making up what he did not do during his time. Such are the activities he should have engaged in soon after leaving office. It is now almost too late.
Indeed, so many bars, but very few libraries, what a shame!!!!!!!!
By the way I have written a book, it is published by Authorhouse and it is available on Amazon and it is entitled: “Kiru: The Bucolic Boy of the Savannah”, I need it promoted in Zambia and I am willing to pay for its promotion. Please guys any ideas, I will appreciate. Please get me on [email protected].
Thank you.
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