Recently, during the annual Cape Town Book Fair held from 30 July to 02 August 2010 at the Cape Town International Convention Centre (CTICC), several schools and institution’s of higher learning were invited to receive copies of former government minister Jay Naidoo’s new book, “Fighting for Justice”.
In the 1980s, Naidoo was the first general secretary of Cosatu, the country’s largest union federation.
During Nelson Mandela’s presidency, he served as the minister in charge of Reconstruction and Development Programme (RDP) and Minister of Posts, Telecommunications and Broadcasting.
CPUT Libraries was in line to receive six brand new copies of the autobiography, to give the campus community access to the informative read.
The trade unionist turned political activist partnered with local paper supplier Sappi Kraft to launch their new book paper grade, Bookpride 70 on which Naidoo’s autobiography was printed.
Naidoo’s publisher Picador Africa (Pan Macmillan Publishers) agreed to the promotion of the new paper grade.
Due to the significant role that Naidoo played in the country’s political and social history, it was fitting that local paper supplier Sappi Kraft decided to donate copies of the book to learners and students for their educational benefit.
Instrumental in the initiative was Simon Sonn, Divisional Sales Manager: Newsprint for Sappi Kraft, who was also present at the handover where Naidoo presented the six books to the Head of Department: Technical Services & E-Resources Management Audrey Patrick.
Sonn thanked the Library for its participation, saying: “The launch held at the Cape Town Book Fair was a resounding success”.
Patrick expressed her delight at the generous donation and added that the copies of the book would be distributed across the libraries branches.
“We as CPUT Libraries encourage staff and students to read a copy of this great book as it reminds us of our past that led us to our freedom”.
After leaving the world of politics in 1999, Naidoo set up an investment and management company, J & J Group, of which he is currently the co-owner.
By Thando Moiloa
Photo: CPUT staff member Audrey Patrick with Jay Naidoo at the Cape Town Book Fair; A copy of Naidoo’s autobiography “Fighting for Justice”.
Written by CPUT News
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