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A new national survey reveals that South Africans read more than we think and 83% of South Africans read in some way, whether for pleasure, to learn new things or to communicate with others, and 32% read books regularly. However, they still face significant challenges accessing reading material, especially in African languages, and most children are growing up without any children’s books at home. This is...

The latest results of the Progress in International Reading Literacy Study indicate that basic literacy among South African children has further deteriorated. An astounding 81% of Grade 4 learners cannot read for meaning in any language. This rate went up from 78% pre-pandemic, which evidently suggests that the South African literacy crisis is far from over. Collaborative efforts such as Yizani Sifunde are believed to be...

Cape Town, Friday, 19 May 2023 – The recently released Progress in International Reading Literacy Study (PIRLS) 2021 results revealed that 81% of 1,127 877 grade 4 learners assessed in 2021 cannot read for meaning. The country’s response mechanisms and solutions to this crisis however remains unchanged. The Director of Nal’ibali, Nqabakazi Gina said, “We cannot rely on fragmented interventions and linear solutions to address...

You’re never too old, too wacky, too wild, to pick up a book and read to a child. – Dr Seuss Nal’ibali, the national reading-for-enjoyment campaign, has been providing a free, special story for children to celebrate World Read Aloud Day (WRAD) for over a decade. 2023 is no different. Once again, Nal'ibali is calling on all South Africans to join them in reading aloud...

In celebration of Literacy Month, Nal'ibali shared six stories which celebrate South Africa's rich cultural diversity. We asked the Nal'ibali network to read the stories, play the boardgame in their language of choice and send their own stories to us to stand a chance of wining a R1000 voucher from Nal'ibali and Standard Bank. Below are the winning authors and stories from Nal'ibali and Standard Literacy Month 2022...

A new family and community literacy programme from Nal'ibali – the national reading-for-enjoyment campaign – is tackling two of South Africa's biggest problems: illiteracy and unemployment in communities across the country. Nal’ibali, South Africa’s reading-for-enjoyment campaign – has been promoting children’s literacy development nationwide since 2012. This is because the ability to read and write unlocks success in school and life, yet most South...

My name is Marilize de Wet. I am 41 years old, from Pretoria and work as a classroom assistant for Gr R pupils. I got hooked on reading stories when I was only 4 years old! My mom gave me a story book, with audio cassette, and although I could not read the words yet, I followed the pictures of the story while listening to...

My name is Madikapi (also known as ‘Pulane’) Mahlasela. I was born and bred in Heilbron, a small town in Free State. I currently stay in Cape Town. I became concerned by the most recent national survey of reading which shows that 78% of grade 4 learners in South Africa cannot read for meaning, and this is attributed to the lack of reading material and...

To commemorate Literacy and Heritage Month, Nal’ibali – the national reading-for-enjoyment campaign – in collaboration with Standard Bank have partnered to bring South African families six free brand-new children’s stories in African languages to celebrate and understand some of the unique customs practised by different cultures in South Africa. Included in the series titled, ‘Celebrating Mzansi’ is an isiZulu, isiXhosa, Sesotho, Sepedi, Setswana, and...

Hello there! I am Karen Olivier from Nelspruit in Mpumalanga. Being a primary school teacher and having two adorable grandchildren inspired me to write children's stories. I decided to publish stories with Nali'ibali because I have first-hand experience of the positive effect that stories have especially on less-fortunate children who cannot afford books or don't have access to libraries. Apart from the wonderful imaginary world to which...

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SOUTH AFRICANS READ MORE THAN WE THINK – BUT STILL DO NOT HAVE ENOUGH BOOKS

Literacy project joins hands with local communities to combat literacy crisis

Nal'ibali calls for all hands on deck as a response to national literacy crisis

Every day should be story day!

Meet Nal'ibali's Literacy Month 2022 competion winners

Literacy campaign creates jobs throughout the country

Adding value to children's lives with Nal'ibali

I feel motivated to write more children’s stories

Free Children's stories to celebrate Heritage Month!

Publishing with Nal'ibali is a great way to share your talent