The Unisa Western Cape Library held its South African Library Week (SALW) celebration on 16 April 2026, a hybrid event that embraced the national theme "Reclaiming knowledge; empowering futures".

Prior to the event, Unisa students were invited to enter a flash fiction competition where they had to write stories not exceeding 1500 words. To better express themselves, students were encouraged to write their stories in their mother tongues.  

From the entries, the library staff had to select five finalists who were subsequently invited to attend the event and read out their stories, all of which were personal and deeply moving. The students chosen were Lucia McPherson, Sandra Sono, Azola Godwana, Nomusa Vilakazi and Nicolette Fenyengenya.  

The event’s guest speakers delivered presentations focusing on the SALW theme, and they provided advice to aspiring authors on the art of writing and how to get published. The speakers included Paul Cassar (storytelling coach at the Principal Academy Trust), Carol Titus (Western Cape Provincial Coordinator at Nal’ibali), Haroldene Tshienda (Founding Director of Shofar Books), Thabo Leholo (advocate, poet and author), Michelle Petersen (teacher and author), Thuto Kgosiemang (University of the Free State’s Neville Alexander Library Book Club) and Linda Ntaka (2025 recipient of the Library and Information Association of South Africa - UKS Librarian of the Year Award).  

During the event, a panel of moderators provided constructive feedback and encouragement for the student authors. The Unisa Western Cape Library will continue providing support for aspiring student authors through the establishment of a Writers' Book Club, an initiative that will foster engagement, dialogue and a shared love of literature. 

* By Michelle Biederman, Branch Librarian (acting), Unisa Western Cape Region