A love of reading doesn’t develop by chance. It is built early through everyday habits that shape how children experience books – not as work but as discovery, imagination and connection. And, these habits start at home. Tasleem Sather, education programme lead at SPARK Turffontein, explains that while educators play a critical role in shaping […]
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We have a collective responsibility to nurture, protect and raise the next generation of leaders in our society. Among the many rights children hold, the right to quality education remains one of the most critical – and the most closely tied to their future well-being. South Africa’s literacy challenges remain a deep concern. Recently, the
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Zuléka Smit‘s delightful “Ben” series—available in English and Afrikaans—is a must-read for young readers and their families. The books, with their Biblical messages, are tools for parents and educators to help children develop resilience and emotional intelligence. Ben Goes to School is a touching story about the difficulties of going to school for the first
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International human rights activist, speaker and author Zulaikha Patel is set to release her second book, Brave Like Me!, published by Pan Macmillan SA. The book is an inspiring story of courage, resilience and the power of young voices. At just 13 years old, Patel became a national symbol of youth activism when she led
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In a world where children face increasing pressure to be perfect, Ben and the Big Game offers a refreshing and essential message: it’s okay to make mistakes. Written with warmth and understanding, this delightful story by Zuléka Smit is a must-read for young readers and their families. The book follows the journey of young Ben
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The Paper Manufacturers Association of South Africa (PAMSA) has released findings from its 2024 survey on book ownership, revealing that 31% of respondents own fewer than 10 books – a modest improvement from 41% reported in 2022. However, access to books remains a significant challenge for many South Africans. The survey also found that approximately
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She took South Africa by surprise back in 2015 when she released an All Sorts of Salads cookbook that made the Sunday braai pop with flavour. She gave Mzansi something special with her twist on some of the world’s most coveted tapas dishes (All Sorts of Tapas). She pulled every busy cityslicker back into the
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As parents, we all want to see our children succeed, and one of the most powerful ways to set them up for success is by helping them develop a love of reading. Reading is not just about mastering words; it’s about opening doors to new worlds, developing empathy and strengthening cognitive and emotional skills. From
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In South Africa, the ability to read for meaning is a critical skill that remains elusive for many children. According to the Reading Panel 2030 report, a staggering 78% of Grade 4 learners cannot read for meaning in any language. This alarming statistic underscores the urgent need to foster a love of reading among students
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In this digital age, where screens dominate daily life, the idea of reading a physical book, magazine or newspaper may seem old-fashioned. Ahead of International Literacy Day on 8 September, the Paper Manufacturers Association of South Africa (PAMSA) suggests that reading paper-based material can be compared to maintaining a healthy diet. Jane Molony, executive director
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