Al-Qalam 
From left to right Learners from Adams Primary School KZN DOE – Mr SD Zondi – ELITS Head Office Adams Primary School Principal – Mr Khanyase MANCOSA Director – Mr Sardiwalla
As South Africa continues to face a literacy crisis, MANCOSA has taken the bold initiative – through the Million Books Project – to place quality books directly into the hands of young learners.
Studies show that 8 out of 10 Grade 4 learners cannot read for meaning.
On Monday, 8th September, in celebration of both its 30th anniversary and International Literacy Day, MANCOSA donated 30 mobile library units to schools in Johannesburg, Cape Town, and Durban.
The Million Books Initiative, launched in 2018 by founder Professor Yusuf Karodia, is about more than just books. It’s about igniting a lifelong love of reading. By empowering teachers, building school partnerships, and encouraging family and community involvement, MANCOSA aims to reduce the literacy gap and create a nation of readers.
Professor Magnate Ntombela, Principal of the MANCOSA School of Education, said: “International Literacy Day is not just one date on the calendar; it’s a call to action. Every book in these mobile libraries is a step toward imagination, confidence, and opportunity. Our mission is clear: more books in children’s hands, more support for teachers, and more families reading together.”
Three regional handover events marked the milestone, with performances from learners, addresses by Department of Education officials and MANCOSA leadership, and the formal handover of three libraries to each of the ten beneficiary schools noted below:
Halfway House Primary; Dulcie September Primary; Motsweding Primary; Umthombo Primary; Adams Primary; Magabheni Primary; Ophapheni Primary; Entabeni Primary; Kasselsvlei Primary School; Goeie Hoop Primary School.
At the Johannesburg event, Jacaranda FM broadcasted live from 09h00 to 12h00, further amplifying the call for “reading with meaning” and encouraging community participation.
The annual MANCOSA Jacaranda FM Business Breakfast on 1 October at the Vodacom Dome also spotlighted the Million Books Initiative.
As MANCOSA marks 30 years of transforming education, the institution is calling on businesses, alumni, and communities to join in and support them in improving literacy, one child at a time.
