Harare — PREPARATIONS for this year's edition of the Zimbabwe International Book Fair -- scheduled for July 27 -- have started , after last year's showcase failed to take place owing to financial constraints.

ZIBF acting director, Greenfield Chilongo said unlike in previous years, there would be free entrance for the public to the fair this year.

Chilongo said the theme -- 'Reading and Writing, Zimbabwe' -- centred on encouraging authors on writing literary works focusing on national issues rather than having local readers relying on international books.

"The motive behind the theme is to highlight issues on writing about Zimbabwe, focusing on national issues and improving writing for its curriculum," said Chilongo.

He said this year's book fair was aimed at offering local authors more prominence as compared to foreign ones.

Some of the local authors expected to grace this year's editions, include Shimmer Chinodya, Ignatius Mabasa, Charles Mungoshi, Chirikure Chirikure and Virginia Phiri among others.

Several topics have also been lined up for the Indaba session, which is the only event that audiences have to pay for to attend.

Among the topics to be discussed include Media reading and writing which will probe issues centred on the presentation of media stories.

Prominent journalist, Caesar Zvayi and broadcaster Supa Mandiwanzira to mention just a few are expected to facilitate the session.

Children's reading and writing is another topic that will focus on writing children books that capture the imagination of the young.

Chilongo commended the financial assistance they received from the Culture Fund of a whooping US$10 000 grant, which he said would go a long way in assisting them in making the event a success.

The Minister Education Arts, Sport and Culture, Senator David Coltart will officially open the book-fair.

The keynote address will be provided by Hope Sadza the Vice Chancellor of Women's University in Africa.