To centre literacy as a fundamental human right, families and authors marked Human Rights Day at the Nelson Mandela Foundation on March 21, for a special edition of the Making Reading Fun programme.

As South Africa reflected on the legacy of Sharpeville and the ongoing struggle for dignity and equality, the foundation used storytelling to highlight a critical truth: Without the ability to read for meaning, many children are excluded from fully participating in society.

Read more: The Nelson Mandela Foundation strives to make reading fun 

Making Reading Fun was launched on April 15, 2023, to encourage reading and literacy among South Africa’s children and to impart knowledge of Mandela’s extraordinary life story and his values, which are celebrated worldwide.

At a time when a majority of Grade 4 learners in South Africa cannot read for meaning, access to books, language, and literacy is not simply an educational issue; it is a matter of justice.

“Over the past four years, this programme has been about more than reading,” said Mathabo Tlali, author and reader at the Making Reading Fun programme.

“It has been about bringing people together and building a community.” Tlali added that seeing children, families, and partners connect through stories reminds us of what is possible when we invest in literacy.

The programme featured guest authors Gomolemo Moagi, author of Bontle’s New Wheels, Naledi Setzin author of The Jacaranda Tree, and Mahlohonolo Thulo, author of Little Rosie And The Garden Visitors, reflecting the foundation’s growing commitment to creating platforms for children’s book authors, and nurturing intergenerational storytelling.

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Setzin said the morning was a memorable and significant one in her career.

“I decided to read here today because I wanted to share the story and message behind my book, which is about the importance of nature, the power we have in our voices, and how, as a nation, we can be united in action.”

Through the interactive sessions, children engaged directly with authors, asked questions, and shared their own stories, experiencing reading, not only as a skill, but as a source of confidence, imagination, and expression.

Books were also made available to encourage reading beyond the event, and into homes and communities.

Thulo said her books were aimed at teaching children, and adults, about connecting and healing their inner child.

“They’re mostly for children. It teaches them about the importance of having a positive mindset, the power of gratitude and contentment.”

Ann-Young Maharaj, researcher and exhibition co-ordinator at the Nelson Mandela Foundation noted that education is a fundamental human right, and reading with understanding sits at its core.

“Programmes like Making Reading Fun help children not only learn to read, but to make sense of the world around them.”

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