To create a platform for young minds to showcase their reading, writing, and public speaking skills, the Durban University of Technology (DUT) Community Engagement Office, in partnership with the DUT Library Services, the International Centre of Nonviolence (ICON), and Ikusasalentsha, proudly hosted the inaugural DUT Regional Bookathon 2026. The event took place at the BM Patel Library, on the ML Sultan Campus in Durban, on Wednesday, 23 June 2026.
The winners from Gezange Primary School.
This inspiring literacy competition brought together learners from Bambanani Primary School in the Bergville area and Gezangane Primary School in Mariannhill, providing them with an opportunity to demonstrate their talents and engage in meaningful educational activities.
Directing the programme was Mr Romeo Matumba, Marketing and Communication Librarian at DUT. He emphasized the importance of promoting a culture of reading and lifelong learning, highlighting how initiatives like the Bookathon can inspire young people, to engage more actively with books and knowledge.
Delivering the welcome remarks, Ms Phumzile Xulu, Engagement Practitioner shared that the Bookathon forms part of the broader DUT Literacy Programme, an initiative dedicated to nurturing a love for reading, strengthening communication skills, and building learner confidence through book clubs and literacy-focused activities. She further mentioned that through initiatives such as the Bookathon, DUT continues to play a vital role in advancing literacy and empowering young learners to reach their full potential.
Ms Xulu also introduced the three distinguished judges; Dr Anusha Moonasar, a Metadata Librarian at DUT, Dr Zimkhitha Mahlungulu, a Postdoctoral Fellow at the DUT ICON and Mr Zamani Mayeza, a Community Engagement Coordinator for the Faculty of Health Sciences at DUT.
Sharing similar sentiments, Mr Nhlanhla Nhleko, DUT Library Manager said as DUT Library Services they firmly believe that reading is the foundation of learning and lifelong success.
“Libraries are not merely repositories f books; they are spaces that open doors to imagination, discovery, innovation and opportunity. Every child who learns to read confidently gains access to a world of possibilities and is empowered to shape their own future. In support of this the library also has a vibrant book club that is run by young people in an effort to encourage the culture of reading, innovation and writing, not only at DUT but also externally,” said Nhleko.
Messages of support were delivered by Professor Ndumiso Ngidi, Director of DUT’s International Centre of Nonviolence (ICON), and Ms Sinothando Ndaba, Communications Director at Ikusasalentsha. Ikusasalentsha is an independent, Bergville-based non-profit organisation focused on advancing education, youth development, and literacy in rural communities.
Professor Ngidi highlighted the role of initiatives such as the Bookathon in fostering a culture of peace, critical thinking, and social awareness among learners. He emphasized that literacy is not only a fundamental academic skill but also a powerful tool for personal development and community transformation.
Echoing these sentiments, Ms Ndaba spoke about Ikusasalentsha’s ongoing commitment to uplifting rural communities through educational programmes and youth development initiatives. She noted that platforms like the Bookathon provide learners with valuable opportunities to build confidence, express themselves, and unlock their potential.
Learners competed in four categories: debating, spelling bee, poetry, and read-aloud, each designed to test different aspects of literacy and communication skills.
The debating category challenged participants to think critically, articulate their ideas clearly, and engage respectfully with opposing viewpoints. The two topics of debate were; Social media does more harm than good to community spirits and relationships as well as Does it take an entire village to raise a child.
In the spelling bee, learners showcased their mastery of language, spelling accuracy, and quick thinking under pressure. The poetry segment provided a creative platform for self-expression, allowing learners to explore rhythm, emotion, and storytelling through verse. Meanwhile, the read-aloud category focused on pronunciation, fluency, and confidence, as learners brought texts to life through expressive and engaging reading. Together, these categories created a well-rounded competition that celebrated both the technical and creative dimensions of literacy.
The guest speaker was Mr T. Garey Davis, Associate Director in the Centre for Leadership and Intercultural Engagement at George Mason University in the United States. He also serves as a lecturer in both Public Health and Integrative Studies. His work focuses on leadership development, social justice, diversity and inclusion, student success, and global health.
He began his address by posing a thought-provoking question to the learners, asking whether they had ever considered how powerful their words are.
“Your words can make someone smile. Your words can encourage someone who feels like giving up. Your words can even change someone’s future. Through your reading, your poetry, and your debates, you are learning how to use that power. When I was younger, I didn’t always feel confident speaking in front of people. There were times I felt nervous, times I thought, ‘What if I say the wrong thing? What if people don’t listen to me?’ But one day, I had the chance to speak, just like you are doing in your debates and poetry. Something amazing happened. I realised that it wasn’t about being perfect; it was about being brave enough to use my voice,” shared Mr Davis.
Teachers from both schools also shared messages of appreciation to DUT for creating a platform that nurtures the learners’ academic and personal growth. They commended the university for its commitment to promoting literacy and providing learners with opportunities to develop essential skills such as reading, writing, and public speaking.
Announcing the winners Ms Xulu announced thanked all the participants for their outstanding performances, each taking home certificates of participation.
The spelling bee winners were; Lethokuhle Ncayiyana from Gezangane Primary School (third place), followed by Siyathemba Gumbi from Bambanani Primary School (second place) and Sibahle Khuzwayo from Gezangane Primary School (first place).
The poetry winners were; Kuhlekonke Mtshali from Gezangane Primary School (third place), Elihle Zikode from Bambanani Primary School (second place) and Hlelokuhle Maphalala from Bambanani Primary School (first place).
The read aloud winners were; Yolanda Maphumulo from Gezangane Primary School (third place), also in third place, Sinenhlanhla Sibisi from Bambanani Primary School, Thando Mbambo (second place) and Esihle Luthuli from Gezangane Primary School (first place).
The debate champions was the Bambanani Primary School team. Esihle Luthuli was also awarded the Best Learner in Literature. The Champion of Debate award went to Esihle Mthembu from Gezangane Primary School. Hlelokuhle Maphalala was also recognised as the most promising learner. Bambanani Primary School was the overall winner after producing top winners.
In closing, Dr Prim-Rose Shabane, lecturer at DUT ICON expressed appreciation to all partners, organisers, teachers, and learners who contributed to the success of the event. She commended the collaborative effort behind the Bookathon and reaffirmed the importance of continued initiatives that promote literacy, empower young voices, and inspire a lifelong love for learning.
Pictured: The winning school, Bambanani Primary School with the judges and the event organisers.
Photographer: Sibonelo Dlamini.
Simangele Zuma
