This World Read Aloud Day, a South African literacy initiative is doing something new. Nal’ibali, a national campaign that promotes reading and storytelling among children, has introduced its first story in South African Sign Language, aimed at helping more children read and understand. At a time when many young learners still struggle with basic reading, organisations like Nal’ibali step in with tools and resources that make a real difference. We caught up with them on World Read Aloud Day.
For the Minister of Basic Education, Siviwe Gwarube, the day is a reminder of why early reading matters. “I think what’s really important is to acknowledge World Read Aloud Day,” she said. “Reading is non‑negotiable. When learners understand the language of teaching and learning, they engage more confidently and progress more successfully through the system.”
The minister also challenged the perception that African languages slow literacy development. “For such a long time, we’ve always viewed our African languages as a hindrance to our literacy problem, but in fact, it’s actually an asset,” Gwarube said. She emphasised that partnerships with organisations like Nal’ibali are crucial, especially in schools and communities where resources are limited. “If we’re not getting children to read and read for meaning, particularly in the early phases, we are never going to get anywhere in the education system.”
Gwarube explained that the focus now is on building literacy from the ground up, rather than trying to fill gaps later. “We’re inverting the entire education system to say that we’re growing it from the ground up, and government can’t do it alone,” she said. She pointed to research, including last year’s Funda Umpumeleli survey, which highlighted how African languages can support early reading development.
Parents and caregivers also have a role to play, the minister said. “I’ve been imploring parents wherever I go to please be involved in your child’s development. Read to your children. Let them read to you. Ultimately, you’re laying the foundation for success in the later stages.”
Nal’ibali’s new South African Sign Language story expands what reading aloud can look like, reaching learners who are Deaf or hard of hearing and making literacy more inclusive. For Gwarube, the message is simple: “If South Africans can get behind this revolution of making sure our young ones start strong, that they’re well-read, we can really turn this country around.”
