KWAGGAFONTEIN – North-West University (NWU) alumna Dr Monicca Bhuda (31) from Kwaggafontein was selected to be part of the South African team that participated in the 20th International Book Fair of Venezuela (FILVEN) held in Caracas from July 11 to 21, 2024.
FILVEN is a Venezuelan national event initiated in 2005, aimed at promoting a culture of reading and encouraging competition between book readers and writers.
Bhuda was chosen as an emerging writer in indigenous languages and indigenous knowledge. She expressed her honour and pride in having her work recognised internationally. “I write stories and books for children, and I am honoured that my work is well recognised and seen,” she said. Bhuda was the only Ndebele book writer in a team of eleven writers.
The Ministry of Popular Power for Culture, through the National Book Centre (CENAL), invited South Africa via the Department of Sport, Arts and Culture (DSAC) to the largest cultural event, spotlighting the work of national and international authors, publishers, and readers.
A delegation of South African authors, poets, and literary figures participated on the FILVEN main stage in discussions, seminars, interviews, and lectures. Their involvement aimed to showcase the country’s literary achievements and engage with a global audience about the transformative power of literature.
The South African team participated under the theme “30 Footprints of Freedom: South Africa’s Literary Strides Towards Democracy and Beyond,” underscoring the nation’s literary journey from segregation and oppression to democracy and unity.
“I want to explore my abilities and be extraordinary. I want to break boundaries and prove that the world is my oyster. I can be the best at what I do through hard work. All this to come true requires a lot of work, dedication, support, and sacrifices,” concluded Bhuda.
