Oxford University Press Empowers Minds Through World Literacy Day

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Hanri Pieterse – MD of Oxford University South Africa

International Literacy Day is celebrated annually around the world on 8 September and Oxford University Press observes the day in support and endorsement of literacy in all its forms.

Founded by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) in 1967, International Literacy Day celebrations have since taken place across the globe to remind the international community of the importance of literacy as a matter of dignity and human rights, and to advance the literacy agenda towards a more literate and sustainable society. (1)

In its simplest definition, ‘literacy’ refers to the ability to read and write. In broader terms, it encompasses ways of thinking and doing reading and writing with the purpose of understanding and expressing thoughts or ideas in written form within specific contexts.

 Global literacy is a cause for celebration since the rate for adults 15 years and above stands at 86,3% in 2023. (2) While, on the surface, this is a successful statistic, closer inspection reveals a deeply unequal divide.

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Snakes In The City Returns This SSSSeptember

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Siouxie Gillett, Simon Keys and Mbali Mtshali holding various snakes. (National Geographic for Disney)

National Geographic Wild’s “Snakes in the City” has maintained its status as a cherished favourite among audiences for years. The exhilarating show features herpetologists Simon Keys and Siouxsie Gillett, who respond to calls for assistance in capturing and releasing snakes from homes and buildings in and around Durban. Last season, the pair were joined by local snake wrangler Mbali Mtshali. The ninth season premiered across Africa on Sunday at 18:00 (CAT) from 3 September, and the team extended their abilities facing new snakes, in a new city, in eight new episodes.

The bustling, coastal metropolis of Durban was once a lush jungle, teeming with black mambas, spitting cobras, green mambas, huge pythons, night adders, bush snakes and boomslangs. It’s their territory and humans built a city right on top of it. Today, the jungle may be gone, but the snakes are here to stay! In the height of summer, the heat and humidity bring thousands of snakes out of hiding, into direct conflict with the 3.5 million inhabitants of this city. To the relief of those who call, Simon, Siouxsie, and Mbali, experts in animal behaviour, track down and capture some of the world’s most venomous snakes.

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Sandton City Celebrates 50 Years With Retail Festival

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Sandton City, Africa’s premium shopping destination, is thrilled to announce its upcoming 50th-anniversary that will be celebrated with an exquisite retail festival. The unique one-day event, taking place on Tuesday 12 September 2023, promises a day filled with an extraordinary shopping experience, outstanding exclusive offers, and a jubilant atmosphere, as the iconic mall marks five decades of exceptional service and superior retail.

Since its inception in 1973, Sandton City has commanded a unique position of high-end retail, drawing shoppers from across the world to experience its diverse array of over 300 premium retailers, that reflect the most beloved brands from both within South Africa and internationally. As the mall reaches this remarkable milestone, the 50th-anniversary retail festival is a tribute to its commitment to offering unparalleled shopping experiences.

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Apple Music’s “Amaqhawe” Campaign Celebrates Heritage Month

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Lira

Apple Music is shining a light on Mzansi’s greatest musical legends with its latest campaign, Amaqhawe (meaning “hero” in Xhosa, and “legend” in Zulu).

In honour of the country’s rich musical legacy and Heritage Day on 24 September, Amaqhawe celebrates the musical legacies of the South African musicians whose sounds influenced and continue to inspire the next generation of artistic voices. 

The Amaqhawe dedicated space boasts four exclusively curated guest playlists from South African musical legends including songbird and entrepreneur Lira, Afrikaans pop icon Kurt Darren, the iconic pop group Mango Groove and Afro-soul doyenne Simphiwe Dana. The campaign will also feature a flagship Amaqhawe playlist featuring Mzansi’s biggest songs, across decades and multiple genres, including the likes of Brenda Fassie, Letta Mbulu and Johnny Clegg through to Miriam Makeba, Ladysmith Black Mambazo and Mandoza.

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“The Little Mermaid” debuts on Disney+ on 6 September 2023

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Disney’s live-action reimagining of the studio’s Oscar®-winning animated musical classic “The Little Mermaid,” which opened in theaters in May and went on to gross more than $542 million at the global box office, will premiere on Disney+ 6 September 2023.

Disney+ subscribers will be able to access special bonus content, including Oscar® winner Javier Bardem (“No Country for Old Men”) as King Triton performing the song “Impossible Child” with music by multiple Academy Award® winner Alan Menken (“Beauty and the Beast,” “Aladdin”) and lyrics by three-time Tony Award® winner Lin-Manuel Miranda (“Hamilton,’ “In the Heights”); “Passing the Dinglehopper,” and “Under the Sea – Song Breakdown.”

“The Little Mermaid” is the beloved story of Ariel, a beautiful and spirited young mermaid with a thirst for adventure. The youngest of King Triton’s daughters and the most defiant, Ariel longs to find out more about the world beyond the sea and, while visiting the surface, falls for the dashing Prince Eric. While mermaids are forbidden from interacting with humans, Ariel must follow her heart. She makes a deal with the evil sea witch, Ursula, which gives her a chance to experience life on land but ultimately places her life – and her father’s crown – in jeopardy. 

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