The Durban University of Technology (DUT) showcased its staff and student authors at the Durban International Book Fair (DIBF) 2023 held at the Globe, Suncoast in Durban from Wednesday, 09 August 2023 to Sunday, 13 August 2023.
This was the second time DUT has participated at the fair, and the Library, Writing Centre and the Department of Graphic Design were co-hosts at the DUT book stand. The 2023 event was on a much bigger scale, attracting many more literary partners, authors, schools and members of the public. Representatives from the DUT Library Book Club, as well as Library Work Integrated Learning (WIL) students and staff also attended the Book Fair to experience the many interesting talks, book launches and workshops that took place during their visit.
Staff and student authors had the opportunity to chat about the books that they recently published at the DUT book stand for the duration of the Book Fair. The 2023 theme “The Book & Beyond” allowed attendees to explore and understand the literary world like never before.
On the opening day of the Book Fair, Wednesday, 09 August 2023, a DUT community member, Barry Lottering held a one-hour session on Cover Design and Layout. He left the guests fascinated by the process of book cover design and layout. Later on this day. DUT second-year Graphic Design students, Ntobela Zonke (How Ella got her friends back), Joshua Naidoo (MAX goes shopping), Kaurin Reddy (The Wondering Duckling)and Shrivar Rabichand (The Big Clean Up) presented their soon-to- be-published children’s books under the title: “Design, Sustainability, Community & Entrepreneurship”.
On Sunday, 13 August 2023, DUT student authors, Sboniso Ngcobo and Nomali Zondi were in conversation with the Writing Centre’s Dr Jeff Mkhize on their recent publications. They shared insights on the writing journey and shared advice to aspiring student writers. Ngcobo’s book called “Ubungqabavu (Vitality)” is available on the DUT Library’s open access books platform, while Zondi’s novel, the “The Rusty Tin Hotel’ is available for purchase on Amazon.
Prof Fulufhelo Netwera, Dr Jeff Mkhize, Sboniso Ngcobo, Nomali Zondi, Dr Sasi Gangiah, Dr Nereshnee Govender and Sagren Moodley.
Representing the staff authors were Professor Fulufhelo Netswera, Executive Dean: Faculty of Management Sciences at DUT and Dr Sasi Gangiah, lecturer in the department of Hospitality and Tourism Management who launched their recently published academic books. Prof Netswera co-edited a book called “State-owned enterprises in Africa and the economics of public service delivery”, Dr Gangiah recently published her book on “Environmental Ergonomics: Commercial kitchens in a semi-tropical city” and Dr Catharina Womack’s books on “The Influence of Labour Legislation on Job Creation and Job Sustainability in South Africa” were featured at the Book Fair. This launch session was chaired by Mr Kiru Naidoo from the DIBF organising committee.All three of the books are published on the DUT Library open access and can be viewed on the publisher’s website.
DUT second-year Drama and Production Studies student, Junior Mhlungu visited the Book Fair during the week. Mhlungu, a Library Book Club member and a poet, was grateful that the DUT Library and Writing centre had taken this initiative and personally had a great time learning and socialising at the fair.
The five-day event consisted of a vibrant and engaging programme, featuring renowned authors from across the world, literary discussions, book launches and various interactive activities for guests of all ages. The DUT organising team member, Sagren Moodley expressed his gratitude to all the staff and students who attended the fair.
“It was a literary feast for all book lovers and DUT was well represented by our current students, staff and alumni. Our participation at the fair firmly establishes our commitment to promote and develop a culture of reading and writing among our students and community. We are delighted to have played a part in promoting Durban, a UNESCO City of Literature,” said Moodley.
Pictured: DUT Graphic Design students, Joshua Naidoo, Kaurin Reddy, Zonke Ntombela, Thabile Kubheka, and staff members, Sagren Moodley and Barry Lottering.
Simangele Zuma
