The National Reading Coalition (NRC) in partnership with provincial education departments have extended the reading circle through the MECs book clubs. These sessions aim to contribute towards inculcating a culture of reading for pleasure within provinces and also create a platform to discuss important issues and topics affecting society.

The books clubs championed by each respective province’s Education MECs heeds the call by President Ramaphosa to promote literacy and a culture of reading amongst citizens by bringing together community-based organisations, traditional and religious leaders, parents and learners.

The MEC Book Club Campaign has attracted approximately 900 participants since the first book club session that was held on 15 June 2023 in the Mpumalanga Province.

Date | Province | Venue
--- | --- | ---
15 June 2023 | Mpumalanga | Jandrell Primary School, Standerton
25 July 2023 | Limpopo | Siyandhana Primary school ,Giyani
11 August 2023 | Gauteng | Diphalane Primary School, Krugersdorp
17 August 2023 | Free State | Edenhoogte Primary School, Xhariep
24 August 2023 | Northern Cape | Simbruner Primary School, Upington
21 September 2023 | Western Cape | EDULIS Library
10 October 2023 | Kwa Zulu Natal | Adams College, Durban
16 November 2023 | North West | ZM Seatlholo Secondary School, Mahikeng
22 November 2023 | Eastern Cape | Mandla Makupula Leadership Institute, East London

“Reading is the most fundamental skill that any person needs to achieve his or her full potential. This is because reading is for everyone, it is empowering, it helps people to develop cognitively, it creates social cohesion and it’s enjoyable”, remarks the National Reading Coalition Project Manager, Mr Bailey Nkuna.