CAPE TOWN: Western Cape learners have been issued an inspiring challenge to read one book cover to cover this year – not for school, but purely for the joy of it, as Cape Town High School celebrated World Book and Copyright Day with renewed passion for literacy.
The heartwarming call to action came from Western Cape minister of education David Maynier during this celebrations at the school yesterday morning, where he emphasised that building a generation of readers happens “one page at a time” – and that even reading just one page a day constitutes a victory.
The festivities were marked by a generous R20 000 book donation from the National Library of South Africa, aimed at further developing the school’s revitalised library, which had fallen into disuse before being brought back to life in 2024.
Foster a culture of reading
The library’s remarkable transformation was spearheaded by teacher Aphiwe Sigadi, who helped learners establish a thriving book club that now boasts 64 members. The club has become instrumental in expanding the school’s literary resources and fostering a genuine love of reading among pupils.
“Once you create a culture of valuing reading and books, you are actually crafting an individual who will be responsible enough to respect other people’s rights,” Sigadi explained, highlighting how literacy extends far beyond the classroom.
The impact on learners has been profound, with pupils describing how books have opened new perspectives. “You are seeing the world through the perspective of another person, each challenge that they have seen, something that you have never known,” said learner Inonge Matayi.
What we need to do as adults is to make sure that our children have access to quality reading materials that are interesting and varied.
Fellow student Hlumelo Fatyi offered sage advice for encouraging reluctant readers: “I wouldn’t try to force my thoughts onto them, I would rather just refer them to a few books that someone who has just started reading would enjoy. Not everyone is into reading, but if you give them time with a book, they will go far.”
Maynier added, “What we need to do as adults is to make sure that our children have access to quality reading materials that are interesting and varied.”
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The event was organised by the Education Library and Information Services team and supported by the Department of Basic Education and the Department of Arts and Culture.
World Book and Copyright Day is celebrated annually on 23 April and designated by UNESCO to promote reading across all ages.
Maynier emphasised that whilst considerable attention is given to early literacy, older learners and adults also need encouragement to continue reading – not just to learn, but for pure enjoyment. The challenge serves as a reminder that it is never too late to become a reader, with the simple act of “picking up a book instead of a phone” marking the first step towards a lifelong love of literature.
