Boipelo Mere
The Northern Cape Department of Sport, Arts and Culture is hosting a series of local books for Youth Month as part of the 50th Anniversary commemoration of June 16.
The initiative seeks to promote a culture of reading, education, and storytelling amongst young people while honouring the legacy of the 1976 youth who fought for equal education opportunities in South Africa.
The Department has assisted the authors with publishing costs and will further support the official launch events.
The books will also form part of collections in public libraries across the Northern Cape, ensuring wider community access to local literature.
The first book titled ‘The Cursed Kingdom’ by Danilson Manu from Platfontein was officially launched at !Xunkhwesa Combined School in Platfontein on 09 June 2026.
Speaking at the launch, the young author Manu elaborated that the book is a reflection of creativity, imagination, and the stories that young people from our communities can share with the world.
“I hope it encourages more young people to read, write, and believe in their talents,” said Manu.
The department still has four books by authors from Kimberley, Kuruman and Barkley West scheduled to be launched during Youth Month.
The MEC for Sport, Arts and Culture, Mangaliso Matika, said the initiative forms part of the Department’s commitment to preserving local stories and empowering young creatives through literature and education.
“As we commemorate the 50th Anniversary of the June 16 Uprising, we are reminded that education, storytelling and access to knowledge remain critical tools for empowerment.
“Through these book launches, we are creating platforms for young voices to be heard while encouraging a culture of reading and learning across our communities,” said Matika.
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