WELCOMING REMARKS AND SPEECH BY THE CITY OF UMHLATHUZE MAYOR CLLR XOLANI NGWEZI
23 JANUARY 2024
Ladies and Gentlemen,
Good afternoon
As we stand here on the deck of MV Logos Hope, surrounded by the picturesque scenery of Richards Bay Small Craft Harbour, it is with immense joy and gratitude that I extend a warm welcome to each and every one of you. Today, we are not only witnesses to the arrival of the world's largest floating book fair in our beloved city but active participants in a cultural and educational journey that holds the promise of enriching our lives and expanding our horizons.
"The wealth of a nation lies in the knowledge and education of its people," once remarked the late Prince Mangosuthu Buthelezi, Founder and President Emeritus of the Inkatha Freedom Party. The diverse selection of over 5,000 titles showcased on this vessel symbolizes the boundless power of literature to inspire, educate, and unite people from all walks of life.
The crew of MV Logos Hope, representing 60 nationalities, exemplifies the beauty of cultural exchange and collaboration for a common purpose — the promotion of good education and international understanding.
Richards Bay marks the first port of call on MV Logos Hope's South African journey, and we are honored to host this Official Reception today. I encourage each one of you to explore the treasures aboard, engage with the crew, and immerse yourselves in the celebration of literature and knowledge.
Moreover, MV Logos Hope will play a pivotal role in instilling a culture of reading and learning among hundreds of children and young people from around the City of uMhlathuze. As we welcome this floating book fair to our shores, let us take on the challenge to practice a good culture of reading, aspiring to finish at least one book a month. In doing so, we not only enrich our own lives but contribute to the cultivation of knowledge and wisdom within our community.
To the crew of MV Logos Hope, thank you for choosing our city as a destination and for bringing your mission to our shores. Your presence enriches our community and reinforces the values we hold dear in the City of uMhlathuze.
To all our guests, I extend my warmest invitation to join us in making this Official Reception a memorable and enriching experience.
Let us embrace the spirit of learning, cultural exchange, and the boundless possibilities that lie within the pages of the countless books aboard this remarkable vessel.
Thank you and enjoy the festivities.