Nomawele Njongo, Founder of KwaziThina Publishers, delivered an inspiring address at the Eastern Cape Department of Education’s World Read Aloud Day (WRAD) 2025. Held at Holy Cross Senior Secondary School in the OR Tambo Inland District, the event centered on the theme “Enriching Children’s Experiences with Stories.”
Njongo opened her speech with a powerful question: “What single thing has the power to transport us to different worlds, ignite our imaginations, and shape our understanding of ourselves and the world around us?” The audience responded enthusiastically: “Reading!” Affirming their answer, she said, “Indeed. Reading is the very foundation upon which all learning is built.”
Sharing a personal anecdote, Njongo reflected on her childhood: “Growing up as a twin, I was captivated by the story behind my name, Nomawele. My mother’s choice wasn’t arbitrary; it was a powerful act of weaving her own narrative into the fabric of our community. In African culture, names carry profound meaning and significance. This instilled in me a deep understanding: Africans are born with stories, and storytelling is woven into the very core of our identity. It’s not just something we do; it’s who we are.”
Njongo emphasized the importance of reading in shaping children’s understanding of the world and their identities. She passionately advocated for access to literature that reflects children’s lived experiences, cultures, and languages. “As we champion reading, we must be mindful of the stories we share with our children. We need stories that mirror their realities, their cultures, and their identities,” she said. “Sidinga bafunde amabali abhalwe ngabantu abafana babo, amabali abhalwe ngeendawo abazaziyo, amabali abhalwe ngendlela abathetha ngayo, amabali anabalinganiswa abafana nabo.”
She reinforced this message with a call to action: “As I always say, ‘Let Africa Tell Her Stories.’ It’s time for us to own our narratives and share them with the world. Through these stories, we foster a deeper understanding of our cultures, our histories, and our very identities. It is through these stories that we enrich our children’s experiences, broaden their perspectives, and empower them to become active participants in their own learning journeys.”
The event brought together a diverse group of stakeholders, including education leaders such as Chief Director of Curriculum Ms. CN Xundu-Bula and Deputy Director General Ray Tywakadi. District officials, students, educators, parents, community leaders, and literacy organizations such as Nal’ibali, Funde Wande, the Nelson Mandela Institute, PASA, and the Teachers Union also participated. Reading sessions and discussions highlighted the importance of inclusive literacy, with children from Efata School for the Blind and Deaf joining the activities.
KwaziThina Publishers, a champion of African storytelling, is dedicated to producing books that reflect the diverse realities of African children. The organization recognizes the role of culturally relevant literature in fostering literacy, igniting a lifelong love of reading, and nurturing future African authors and thought leaders.
On this significant day, Njongo urged all stakeholders to take an active role in promoting literacy. “I urge parents, educators, community leaders, and government officials to unite in cultivating a culture of reading within our society. The home is the fundamental unit of our society, and reading must begin there. We must lead by example; children learn through observation. We mustn’t simply read to them, but read with them.”
Acknowledging the challenges, she stated, “While we celebrate reading, we cannot ignore the harsh reality: many of our schools and communities struggle. They lack the essential tools to cultivate a love of reading. The absence of literacy hubs, libraries, and access to books creates a formidable barrier that threatens the potential of countless children. We must confront this challenge together, with urgency and determination.”
She concluded with a rallying cry: “Let us be active citizens and play our part in building a reading society. Let us cherish reading, promote it, and celebrate it not just today, but every single day.”
