Windybrow to house a treasure trove of African literature

The Market Theatre Foundation and Exclusive Books have teamed up to create a new reading hub for the Hillbrow community.
They have revamped the 121-year-old Windybrow Arts Centre, which used to be a performance theatre, into a reading area where the community, particularly children, can choose from more than 2 000 Pan-African book titles.
“We are pleased that we can create a safe space for children and adults alike to have access to books, to care for them and to treasure the stories that the books contain,” said Benjamin Trisk, the chief executive officer (CEO) of Exclusive Books.
“We envisioned a dynamic partnership with Exclusive Books to make stories and literature from the African continent and the diaspora become more accessible to a wider audience,” said Ismail Mahomed, CEO of The Market Theatre Foundation.
The Windybrow Arts Centre will open its doors to the Exclusive Books Pan-African Reading Lounge for adults and The Exclusive Books Pan-African Reading Room for children on July 18 to mark Nelson Mandela International Day.
- On July 18 Khanyi Mbau, the queen of bling, will join the team from SABC lifestyle show Top Billing and spend their 67 minutes honouring the late statesman by visiting a home in Midrand caring for children suffering from cancer. A day of fun and motivation has been planned.
- Albany Bakeries and its brand ambassador, DJ Zinhle, will make 1 000 sandwiches for the African Children’s Feeding Scheme. Volunteers from Johannesburg only are welcome but will have to apply and be available to participate on July 25.