The Deputy Minister of Basic Education, Dr Reginah Mhaule, visited the Nkangala District, Mpumalanga, on 9 September 2026, for the National Celebration of International Literacy Day 2026.

Held under the theme: “Literacy for People, the Planet and Prosperity”, the celebration highlighted the importance of literacy in empowering learners, strengthening communities and advancing opportunities for a more prosperous future. Deputy Minister Mhaule reaffirmed the importance of Mother Tongue-based Bilingual Education (MTbBE), urging learners to embrace their home languages as a source of knowledge, identity and pride. This will contribute towards advancing literacy and numeracy in our schools, she added.

Dr Nompumelelo Mohohlwane, Director for Reading at the Department of Basic Education, highlighted the significance of the 60th anniversary of International Literacy Day and South Africa’s participation in the global celebration. She emphasised that literacy is a shared responsibility, calling on parents, teachers, schools, libraries and communities to play their part in building a culture of reading and strengthening children’s vocabulary and literacy skills.