Nomzamo Mbatha launches R20 million literacy campaign! Actress and humanitarian Nomzamo Mbatha is leading a powerful movement to transform education in South Africa. Through her Lighthouse Foundation, she has teamed up with the Cotton On Foundation to launch a R20 million campaign called Beyond Words, aimed at boosting literacy in under-resourced schools.
A Response to a Literacy Crisis
The initiative, launched in celebration of Youth Month, follows shocking statistics revealing that 81% of Grade 4 learners can’t read for meaning and 78% of public schools lack libraries.
“This campaign aims to change all that,” said Nomzamo. “It’s not just about books — it’s about building libraries, training teachers, offering reading software, and giving children the tools to dream, understand the curriculum, and grow.”
Nomzamo Mbatha launches
Empowering Through Education
Nomzamo believes that literacy is foundational to opportunity and empowerment.
“Literacy is the key to a fulfilled life. With Beyond Words, we’re helping learners imagine a future beyond their limitations,” she said.
A Long-Term Vision for Change
Acanda Jaswa, Cotton On Foundation’s South Africa manager, said the initiative is designed to be measurable and long-term, not a quick fix.
The campaign is supported by The Bookery, a non-profit that has already established 98 school libraries and donated more than 375,000 books, impacting nearly 100,000 learners.
How to Support the Campaign
You can support Beyond Words between Youth Day (16 June) and Mandela Day (18 July).
Make a difference by donating or purchasing Cotton On Foundation products like tote bags, water, wipes, or breath mints at Cotton On, Typo, or Factorie stores, or online.
Together, South Africans can help turn the page for thousands of learners across the country.
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Social media personality Alostro, real name Mohau Louis, has sparked concern after vanishing just weeks into a promising recovery journey. The 34-year-old from Carletonville, Gauteng, had recently completed over a year in rehab, overcoming a long battle with nyaope addiction.
Alostro was participating in a rehabilitation and work programme under the Limpopo Anti-Drugs, Gangsterism, and Crime initiative. He had started working as a painter and was scheduled to receive R3,500 for his efforts. Read More
