Reading is the foundation for lifelong learning, opening doors to further education and future success. The Department of Basic Education (DBE), through its Reading Directorate, in partnership with the National Education Collaboration Trust (NECT), and leading literacy organisations, officially launched the National Literacy Promotion Toolkit Initiative during the three-day National Launch and Capacity Building Workshop at Emperors Palace in Kempton Park from 14 to 16 July 2026.
Held under the theme: “From Plans to Implementation: Building a Reading Culture Together,” the workshop marked the official rollout of the Department’s Literacy Promotion Toolkit and advances Pillar Four of the National Reading Literacy Strategy, which focuses on promoting reading to build a culture of literacy across South Africa. The initiative forms part of the “South African National Literacy Strategy and Plan for 2024-2030” to support the strategy’s fourth pillar, which focuses on the involvement of parents and communities in children’s literacy development. Embedded within the programme, the launch also showcased three flagship literacy initiatives: Nal’ibali Reading Clubs and Reading Campaigns; the Room to Read School Library Development Programme; and the National Spelling Bee Programme.
The DBE’s Deputy Director-General for Delivery and Support, Ms Simoné Geyer, described the Toolkit as a practical instrument for building a sustainable reading culture across the country, adding that literacy development extended beyond the classroom and required the involvement of parents, communities, schools, libraries, civil society organisations and the private sector to ensure children had access to reading opportunities from birth.
Director for Reading at the DBE, Dr Nompumelelo Nyathi-Mohohlwane, said the initiative aimed to promote reading in homes and communities through practical, evidence-informed resources: “Literacy is a social practice. It is shaped by culture, by language and daily experiences, and it is important to leverage home languages as a gateway to literacy rather than something to be overcome.” She introduced District Reading Collectives as the initiative’s implementation structure at district level, adding that “the Toolkit provides a shared national framework for literacy promotion, including guidance on establishing reading clubs, creating print-rich environments, celebrating national literacy events, and supporting initiatives such as the reinstated DBE National Spelling Bee”. The initiative was not intended to be a once-off project, but a sustained programme aimed at embedding literacy promotion in the education system through to 2030.
DBE Chief Director for Foundations for Learning, Ms Kulula Manona said that “Literacy begins long before a child enters Grade R or Grade 1. It starts at home, in conversations, songs, stories, play, pictures, and books,” stressing the importance of investing in children’s early years as the foundation for lifelong learning and the development of a lasting reading culture.
Ms Maureen Modiba, Director for Curriculum Implementation and Quality Improvement (GET) at the DBE, outlined the Department's coordinated approach to strengthening literacy through district-level planning, highlighting progress in developing district reading plans through collaboration with provinces, districts, and the NECT, as well as implementation support through the National Home Language Reading Programme, reading manuals, phonics programmes in all 11 official languages and expanded district support.
The National Launch and Capacity Building Workshop reflects the Department’s commitment to strengthening foundational learning to build stronger foundations for stronger futures.