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Good literature is a universal language at Amazwi Museum
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South Africa is home to eleven official languages. With such a vast population, each minority deserves an opportunity for their mother tongue to be recognised and celebrated. Our schools' current curriculum cannot support the teaching of nine languages. That's why we need to keep the fire alive and educational resources readily available for those who wish to learn more. One of the ways we can do this is through the Amazwi South African Museum of Literature.
Looking forward to greater literacy
Previously known as the National English Literary Museum, the establishment houses archival material directly related to our country's rich heritage and the part that literature played in it. Today, the museum is focused on keeping literary works of previous authors and scholars alive, as well as showcasing up-and-coming talent. The languages contained within Amazwi South African Museum of Literature consist of a mixture of official African languages, Afrikaans, English and South African Sign Language.
This amalgamation of languages tell stories that span centuries. With detailed narratives of past triumphs and losses, as well as fantasy and mystery and educational texts. From fiction to biographies, Amazwi South African Museum of Literature prizes it all. The establishment hosts special events and award ceremonies dedicated to honouring the arts and inspiring the literary youths to continue creating art with words.
Celebrating legacies through reading and understanding
The museum has three principal collections; manuscripts, books and journals with press clippings. Outreach programmes have been designed to encourage school pupils and university students to see the benefits of a strong literary interest and background. These programmes greatly assist in creating awareness and promoting the efforts of Amazwi South African Museum of Literature.
Reading is a skill that has the power to uplift and change the lives of the underprivileged and less fortunate. With this tool, education has the potential to enrich and create new avenues for development. By teaching children and students to read, they can spread their knowledge to elders and the younger generation, thus enabling them to discover information for themselves on topics they are interested in.
Access comes from knowledge
Cultural inclusivity plays a big role in South Africa's future. Since the beginning of our young democracy, shining a spotlight on all races and languages has remained a priority. The Amazwi South African Museum of Literature aims to showcase local literary talent at its finest through exhibitions and displays. A permanent exhibition at the museum called "Voices of the Land" tells South Africa's story from the early colonial period through the trials and tribulations of the nation. It is written with the principal themes of conflict and the environment. These are interwoven with audiovisual installations and significant artefacts.
The Eastern Star Gallery houses exhibits spanning the history of the South African printing press from the 19th century and displays vintage printing equipment. It is open by appointment and you can also learn about previous newspapers and political publications.
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