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The HSRC Press is once again hosting a vibrant programme of panel discussions and workshops at the 2009 Cape Town Book Fair. From dialogue on sexuality and desire to debate around teacher shortages, from looking at the legacy of the 2010 World Cup to unpacking pro-poor and environmental policies, the schedule of events covers a broad range of contemporary issues. With input from outspoken journalists, top academics, veteran activists and respected scholars, the programme promises an engaging exchange of ideas around relevant and sometimes contentious topics. The programme kicks off on Saturday June 13 with a full day of discussions which are free to the public, and which feature many of South Africa's keenest minds in debate. Between 10am and 6pm, eight separate sessions will focus on several key issues. The so-called skills shortage is put under the spotlight by a team of researchers who question the nature and extent of the problem. The State of the Nation is placed under review, with commentary on the challenges that face the country, 15 years into our new democracy. Electric capitalism and the environment are examined in a discussion which explores whether government's pro-poor development plans are working in tandem with environmental policies. The myth or reality of teacher shortages is questioned by experts in the field. Homosexual transmission of HIV/AIDS is investigated by both health activists and academics. The benefits and pitfalls of hosting the 2010 World Cup are discussed by scholars. The question of how to write history in the wake of apartheid comes under review. And the politics of sexuality and desire are interrogated by a panel of professionals. On Monday between 11am and 1pm, esteemed author and academic Mahmood Mamdani discusses aspects of his latest book, Saviours and Survivors: Darfur, Politics and the War on Terror (HSRC Press). He will focus on the conflict in Darfur, Sudan, in the context of a manipulative media and an ominous political agenda, taking a critical look at the major players in this arena. Publishing for Policy Impact: How researchers, activists, and policymakers could work with publishers to enhance policy change is the title of a full day workshop to be held on Monday June 15. It is aimed at NGO managers, resource centre organisers, librarians, academics, students, and representatives from research organisations, advocacy organisations, community development organisations and networks. This, the third in the Information for Change workshop series, is organised by the HSRC Press in collaboration with CODESRIA, the IDRC, Oxfam GB and The World Bank. The workshops offer the opportunity to learn from colleagues, share experiences and network. This year's event will explore how publishers, working with others, can better support effective policy formulation and thus achieve greater impact on policy change. The six-hour participatory workshop will focus on the role of the publisher / disseminator in facilitating information flow between researchers, agents of policy change, and policymakers. All events take place in the Cape Town International Convention Centre. Admission to the Cape Town Book Fair is R50 but attendance of the panel discussions, talks and seminars is free and all are welcome. For more information, contact:
Karen Bruns
Marketing Manager
HSRC Press
Tel: +27 21 466 8022
Fax: +27 21 461 0836
Mobile: 083 231 8326
E-mail: kbruns@hsrc.ac.za
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