In celebration of National Book Week, the Department of Library Services at the University of Pretoria (UP) recently launched its Banned Books exhibition at an event held at the Merensky 2 Library auditorium. The event featured a series of enlightening talks about the history and implications of censorship and book banning in South Africa.

The exhibition seeks to reveal how censorship has been employed to suppress dissent and control public discourse.

The featured speakers included Professor Thula Simpson of UP’s Department of Historical and Heritage Studies, who explored The Oxford History of South Africa and its portrayal of censorship and historiography under apartheid; Prof Willie Burger of UP’s Department of Afrikaans, who spoke about the banning of André Brink’s Kennis van die Aand; Prof Molly Brown of the Department of English, who addressed current trends in book banning, particularly concerning young adult literature in American schools; and Prof Siphiwe Mthiyane (Education Management and Policy Studies) speaking on his experiences as a high school learner and a student teacher during the 1980s.

Additionally, representatives from the National Library of South Africa offered insight into their extensive collection of banned books.

“It’s important to recognise how critical access to these sources is for our intellectual and academic freedom,” Prof Simpson said. “Many banned works, including South African classics, didn’t genuinely threaten the regime but were suppressed, hindering the creative and scholarly potential of future generations. This fear of censorship led to a significant loss in our intellectual heritage.”

Banned books often acquire an allure and status that can sometimes overshadow their actual content, she added[MM1] . This process of suppression paradoxically enhances their appeal and influence, as the very act of banning can generate increased curiosity and interest. As a result, these books can shape societal attitudes and conversations around freedom of expression in profound ways, making their messages even more impactful.

Understanding the history of book banning provides valuable insight into how past restrictions have shaped the current landscape of freedom. It serves as a reminder to appreciate and safeguard our present freedoms, ensuring that we do not take them for granted. By reflecting on historical censorship, we can better address contemporary challenges related to censorship and maintain vigilance over our rights to free expression.

Academic and professional communities play a crucial role in raising awareness about literary freedom and the perils of censorship.

“Exhibitions like this are good for raising awareness,” Prof Thula Simpson added. “Also, UP publications help to create a permanent literary record of opposition to the control of thought.”

The exhibition served as a reminder of the impact of censorship on our intellectual and cultural heritage. By examining the historical and contemporary issues surrounding book banning, the event underscores the importance of safeguarding our freedoms and understanding the value of unrestricted access to information

You are welcome to visit the UP Digital Repository where the speakers' presentations have been uploaded for your information: https://repository.up.ac.za/handle/2263/98169.