As part of its Africa Day celebrations, the National Library of South Africa (NLSA) partnered with the University of Johannesburg’s Department of African Languages to honour renowned South African literary figure Dr B.P. Skhosana, whose works have been republished through the NLSA’s Classical Authors Reprint Programme.

Held at the University of Johannesburg’s Auckland Park Campus, the commemorative event celebrated the enduring contribution of Dr Skhosana to South African literature and the continued importance of African languages in preserving the country’s cultural heritage. The event brought together academics, students, literary practitioners, and heritage professionals in recognition of a writer whose work continues to inspire new generations of readers and scholars.

As a key programme partner, the NLSA donated copies of Dr Skhosana’s republished works to the University’s Library and Information Centre. The donation forms part of the NLSA’s ongoing commitment to preserving South Africa’s literary heritage and ensuring that significant works by classical African authors remain accessible to researchers, students, educators, and the broader public.

The Africa Day celebration also reaffirmed the importance of partnerships in promoting indigenous languages, supporting literary scholarship, and advancing knowledge preservation. By working together, the NLSA and the University of Johannesburg are helping to safeguard South Africa’s literary heritage, while encouraging appreciation of African languages and the authors who have shaped the nation’s intellectual and cultural landscape.