ANC leaders Xuma, Zuma in spotlights at book fair

The fair has been revamped and promises something for everyone so it is to be expected that a program catering to young and old, covering all genres and interests has been lined up. Those with an interest in history and politics are, however, in for a special treat.

The South African landscape has been shaped by our unique and turbulent past. The fight against oppression has raised some great thinkers and role models, who have changed the course of our history. The African National Congress has been at the forefront of this change. 2012 marks the centenary celebrations of the ANC, and in honour of this, they are focusing each month of the year on one of their previous leaders. June is the month of Dr. Alfred Bitini Xuma.

Insight in Xuma's life

A book titled AB Xuma Autobiography and Selected Works chronicles the life of Dr. Xuma and will be launched with a special introduction from the book's editor Peter Limb. Dr. Xuma came from a humble background in the Transkei. He traveled to America and worked his way through medical school and eventually made his way to Europe where he furthered his studies. Xuma returned to South Africa in 1927 where he set up his surgery in Sophiatown, and became involved with political activities. By 1940 he was elected to lead and rebuild the ANC.

Limb is an Adjunct Associate Professor at Michigan State University. He is a prolific writer, having published numerous political and historical works. A better person couldn't have been found to compile this book and give insight into Xuma's life and the political climate at that time. He will be attending the Book Fair for the launch.

Discussion forums with a political focus

Other political books to be launched at the Fair include a Zulu version of "Essence of Zuma" by Nomkelemane Langa. As the name suggests it discusses the ANC and South African President Jacob Zuma.

Visitors can also look forward to discussion forums set up by academic publishers. Some of these forums have a political focus and boast experts like Professor Susan Booysen (political scientist from the Graduate School of Public and Development Management), Anthony Butler (Political Studies UCT), and author and investigative journalist, Glenda Daniels (Mail & Guardian).