The book club is aimed at motivating learners from all grades to develop an interest in expanding their knowledge through reading. The Limpopo leg of the launch comes at a time when primary school learners are said to be struggling to read with understanding.

The club will catalyse the implementation of the “read to lead’’ and “read with understanding” campaigns championed by the national Department of Basic Education. The launch will also allow stakeholders to give their inputs on the club and how it should be sustained.

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During the launch, the MEC challenged everyone to read at least one book a month. She also stated that education is a societal matter, hence her department believes that both learners from rural and urban areas deserve quality education.

“Parents should also play a role, they should avail themselves to schools and ask how they can help teachers,” she said. According to MEC for Sports, Arts, and Culture, Naledi Kekana, who was also at the event, 30 libraries between Giyani and Phalaborwa help cultivate a culture of reading. The event was also attended by learners, teachers, traditional councils, and parents.