Song and dance echoed through the halls of Inkosi Nogaga Primary School as Bambanani Primary School claimed first place in the Bergville Literacy Programme Bookathon Competition for the second year in a row. The Bookathon, hosted by the Durban University of Technology (DUT) Community Engagement Office in partnership with DUT Library and IkusasaLentsha NPO, was held on 24 November 2025 in Bergville and drew an enthusiastic audience of learners, teachers, and community members.
The event, part of the broader Bergville Literacy Programme includes the Bergville Book Club, an initiative aimed at encouraging reading with understanding among learners, an urgent priority in South Africa where national assessments continue to highlight significant challenges in literacy comprehension. By exposing learners to age-appropriate books and structured reading activities, the programme aims to cultivate meaningful engagement with texts and strengthen foundational literacy skills.
This year’s event brought together learners from six participating schools: Bambanani, Intumbane, Sbavana, Vulamehlo, as well as newly added competitors, Inkosi Masumpa and Inkosi Nogaga Primary Schools. Participants showcased their talents across five categories; poetry writing, book review, short story writing, skits, and debate, all inspired by the books selected earlier in the year to promote creativity, comprehension, and critical thinking.
The Uthukela District English Subject Advisor, Mrs Mathonti, expressed deep appreciation for the programme and the collaborative partnerships that make it possible. “It has been a long day, but a day well spent,” she said. “You took us into a world of books, and as a department with limited staff, your support has truly been our right and left hand. This initiative shows that it really does take a village to raise a child.” She commended the learners for their originality and confidence, adding, “What I saw today was a lifelong gift, creativity, confidence, and a real love for books. We are proud of this partnership and hope even more schools can be included in future.”
IkusasaLentsha Projects Coordinator, Mukelani Radebe, also praised the ongoing collaboration with DUT, highlighting the positive impact it continues to make in Bergville. “The 2025 Bookathon was truly exciting, and the schools we have been visiting since July showed great enthusiasm,” he said. He also thanked educators for their commitment in preparing learners and ensuring smooth participation across all categories. Radebe emphasised that the partnership has strengthened literacy development by deepening learners’ engagement with books, expanding their vocabulary, and building public-speaking confidence through debate. “DUT has supported us greatly, and we hope this partnership continues for many years to come,” he added.
Among the standout performers was Sbahle Hlatshwayo, a Grade 6 learner from Sbavana Primary School, who thrived in several categories, going home with numerous medals. Her achievement demonstrated both her dedication to learning and the growing confidence nurtured through the literacy initiative. Reflecting on her win, Sbahle said, “I worked very hard and practiced every day. Winning today makes me believe that reading can take me far. I am proud of myself and grateful for everyone who supported me.”
The 2025 Bookathon once again highlighted the transformative power of literacy programmes in rural communities, reinforcing the shared commitment of DUT, IkusasaLentsha, and local schools to nurturing lifelong readers and confident young leaders. With growing participation, strengthened partnerships, and rising learner excellence, the Bergville Literacy Programme continues to shine as a beacon of educational empowerment.
Pictured: Bambanani Primary School teachers and Learners, with DUT Team and IkusasaLentsha team.
Phumeza Msongelwa
