The DBE appreciates the continued support from the private sector in promoting a culture of reading in the Basic Education Sector. The South African National Commission for UNESCO, in collaboration with the PUKU Children’s Literacy Foundation, the South African Broadcasting Corporation (SABC), the University of South Africa (UNISA) and the National Library of South Africa, commemorated World Book and Copyright Day at the DBE Conference Centre in Pretoria on 23 April 2025.

The annual celebration of World Book and Copyright Day aims to promote a love for books and reading, whilst complementing UNESCO’s role in championing the power of books within communities. The global celebration serves as a reminder that books are more than just sources of knowledge, but vessels of identity, imagination and inclusion. Books are critical in bridging cultures, connecting generations and sparking lifelong learning.

The Secretary-General of the South African National Commission for UNESCO, Mr Carlton Mukwevho, said: “As we celebrate this day, we are reminded that books are not just tools for learning, they are windows to new worlds and mirrors reflecting our own cultures. In South Africa, fostering a love for reading, especially in indigenous languages, is key to ensuring that every child’s voice is heard, and every child’s story is told. The DBE, along with other government departments, including the Department of Planning, Monitoring and Evaluation, take an active role in marking this special day since they organise engaging events across the country, ranging from story readings and author visits to book fairs and community storytelling sessions annually. The DBE plays a vital role in promoting literacy in public schools through the provision of reading materials and teacher training in reading in classrooms. These efforts form part of a broader mission to build a national reading culture to ensure lifelong learning, academic success and social development. What makes South Africa’s approach to World Book and Copyright Day powerful is its emphasis on linguistic and cultural relevance. The DBE highlights the importance of children learning to read in their home languages, acknowledging that storytelling in one’s mother tongue strengthens early literacy and lays a strong foundation for second language acquisition. By doing so, the initiative contributes towards the preservation of the country’s rich tapestry of indigenous and regional language”.

UNESCO Director-General, Ms Audrey Azoulay, pointed out that for books to truly unleash their potential, they must reflect the linguistic diversity of our world. “Every written language brings with it a particular worldview, with its symbols and values. Whilst digital technology offers opportunities for access, it also poses the threat of linguistic homogenisation, making the case for greater support for publishing in indigenous and regional languages a priority under the International Decade of Indigenous Languages (IDIL), launched in 2022. In line with the IDIL, UNESCO is actively working to reverse this trend. A landmark moment came into effect on 31 March 2025, when UNESCO and the International Board on Books for Young People (IBBY) launched the IBBY-UNESCO Collection of Remarkable Books for Young Readers in Indigenous and Endangered Languages. Announced at the Bologna Children’s Book Fair, this initiative calls on publishers and literacy advocates to submit outstanding children’s books, produced in indigenous and endangered languages, over the past three years. As the world continues to evolve digitally, World Book and Copyright Day serves as a powerful reminder that books which are written in a child’s home language carry more than just stories. As we turn the pages of our favourite books, we also turn a new chapter in building a literate, inclusive and culturally vibrant South Africa. By supporting literacy, embracing linguistic diversity and promoting access to books in every language, we are laying the foundation for a future where every child can become a lifelong reader and a proud steward of their cultural heritage. Together, we can turn the page toward a brighter and more inclusive future for all South African learners”.