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From the River to the Sea: A Colouring Book will surpass 10,000 sales in coming days
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Children’s activity event on 4 July in Durban to mark the occasion
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Books now available in the United States and France; UK and India in pipeline
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All Proceeds donated to Penny Appeal South Africa’s Gaza Projects
Johannesburg/New York City- After facing weeks of harassment from Zionist supporters in South Africa as well as the removal of our books from the shelves of the country’s largest book store chain Exclusive Books, Social Bandit Media is proud to announce that From the River to the Sea: A Colouring book will soon surpass 10,000 sales in South Africa alone.
As of Wednesday July 3, our distribution partner Baitul Hikmah Islamic Books and Gifts, based in Durban, said that recorded book sales were 9,730 since they began selling in February 2024. Social Bandit Media expects book sales to cross 10,000 by July 5.
The critically acclaimed book is now in its sixth print and is available through partners in South Africa, the United States as well as in France. We are currently pursuing partnerships in the United Kingdom and in India.
From the River to the Sea is an educational activity book that provides a gateway into the story of Palestine.
Through a series of stunning illustrations, Soweto-based Nathi Ngubane tackles the injustice of the Nakba, delves into the history and culture of the land before the Zionists arrived, and introduces young readers to key concepts driving and sustaining the Palestinian resistance. The book also provides space for young readers to produce their own murals and show their support for Palestine.
To mark the occasion of the book reaching 10,000 sales, our partners Baitul Hikmah, Penny Appeal South Africa, and Digniti, will host Nathi Ngubane for a special books and activity event at Baitul Hikmah HQ in Durban on 4 July 2024.
More than 200 children are expected to participate in the learning and interactive program.
Tazkiyyah Amra, owner of Baitul Hikmah: “We are delighted that From The River to the Sea has reached this significant milestone, selling 10,000 copies—a definite vote of confidence in our mission to cultivate a love for books and reading.”
“As a small bookseller, this achievement represents our highest sales for a single title thus far. We extend our heartfelt congratulations to Nathi on this remarkable accomplishment!
“Our collaboration with Nathi Ngubane, Social Bandit Media, Penny Appeal South Africa, Digniti and others has been a rewarding experience, and we are optimistic that this project is just the beginning of many future endeavours to use art and literature as tools for educating and informing our children about important local and global matters.
“This Thursday, we look forward to hosting Nathi Ngubane for a day packed with learning and interactive activities for over 200 children. The programme will begin with Akeela Joosab, a gymnastics and life coach, leading a series of movement games designed to energise and engage the children.
“Following this, Nathi Ngubane will deliver a presentation on his art and activism, inspiring attendees with his creative insights.
“The day will proceed with a drawing workshop for the older children, conducted by Nathi himself, while the younger participants will enjoy a colouring exercise led by the team from Penny Appeal South Africa. The children will also get the opportunity to paint a mural collectively, which will be hung up outside the bookstore.”
Shahnaaz Paruk, CEO of Penny Appeal South Africa: “Being able to be a part of such a dynamic and inclusive opportunity to address the current occurrences in Palestine was an absolute honour. I see it as taking a stand and being on the right side of history.
“Our South African heritage is rich in capturing a history that speaks of apartheid and our beautiful country’s struggle. As South Africans, we must be part of an activity that tells the truth about Palestine.
“We extend our gratitude to Nathi Ngubane, Digniti, Baitul Hikmah, Social Bandit Media, and all those associated with making this amazing initiative possible, all in hope of a free Palestine.”
Nathi Ngubane, author and illustrator: “When the coloring book became available in late February, our goal was to make it accessible to as many children and parents as possible. We never expected the printed version, available for purchase, to sell 10,000 copies. That’s incredible!
“There is a genocide currently happening in Gaza. That’s why I created this activity book to educate children in South Africa and worldwide about the history of Palestine, the culture of Palestinian people, Palestine’s literary icons, and activists, with the hope that by the end of the book, children will be more informed about the devastating situation that children their age are facing in Gaza.”
“I’d like to thank parents, children, activists, healthcare workers, and scholars for their support since From The River to The Sea came out.
“When I received backlash from Zionists, I was a little stressed, but seeing the immense support online and the pressure that Exclusive Books came under when they removed the colouring book from their shelves, reminded me of the spirit of Ubuntu. Social Bandit Media and I are eternally grateful. Palestine will be free!”
Where do proceeds of the book go? All proceeds derived from the sale of the books will be donated to Penny Appeal South Africa’s projects in Gaza. Additionally, more than 2,000 books have been pledged to Penny Appeal South Africa to distribute at disadvantaged schools around the country.
Social Bandit Media is a media collective based between Johannesburg and New York City. It was established in 2018. We focus on telling stories that challenge the mainstream and serve as timely interventions on the critical issues of our time.
For more details & interviews: Info@pennyappeal.org.za and info@socialbanditmedia.co.za
July 3, 2024
