POLOKWANE – Limpopo-born teacher and children’s author Naledzani Marageni is using storytelling to inspire children while promoting literacy and road safety through her debut book, Bionic Zuko.

Marageni, who has a background in psychology, says her passion for writing began in primary school when she and her best friend created stories about two young girls from Limpopo going on adventures.

“As a child I couldn’t always find books with characters who looked like me or shared my experiences, and that inspired me to create stories where African children are the heroes,” she said.

What Bionic Zuko is about

Marageni said her first children’s book, Bionic Zuko, was published on June 27, 2026. The story follows a young boy named Zuko, who loves running faster than everyone else until a life-changing accident forces him to find a new way to move through life.

With the support of family and friends, Zuko learns that true strength comes from courage, resilience and never giving up.

The book also teaches children about:

• Road safety
• Emotional healing
• Coping with sudden change
• Supporting people living with disabilities

Bionic Zuko Literacy Week

To celebrate International Literacy Day and National Literacy Month, Marageni said she is launching Bionic Zuko Literacy Week, a five-day campaign that will take books, storytelling and literacy activities to underprivileged primary schools across Limpopo.

The initiative aims to:

• Improve access to quality children’s books
• Encourage reading for enjoyment
• Promote road safety awareness
• Donate copies of Bionic Zuko to participating schools

A response to South Africa’s reading crisis

Marageni says South Africa is facing a reading crisis, with many young learners struggling to read for meaning and many schools lacking access to books that reflect children’s everyday lives.

She said that she hopes the campaign will give learners interactive storytelling experiences, creative literacy activities and inspire a lifelong love of reading.

How to get involved

The campaign is also seeking partnerships with businesses, organisations and community stakeholders to sponsor books, learning materials, refreshments, learner gifts and other resources needed to make the programme a success.