By Janelle Denae Govender
This National Book Week, South Africans are being reminded of something timeless: the magic of getting lost in a good book. From lively primary school classrooms to bustling university libraries, teachers, students, and librarians are showing how reading continues to shape minds and spark imagination.
At Kingsword Academy in Durban, teacher Kimberly Pillay admits that children today are more likely to turn to YouTube than a bookshelf. “Many only read because they have to,” she explained. But instead of letting this discourage her, Pillay has turned reading into an adventure. With colorful flashcards, interactive charts, and a special “reading card system” that even involves parents, she’s making books exciting again. Her students look forward to Book Week activities, dressing up as their favorite characters and reading aloud in class — experiences she says help build both confidence and a genuine love for stories.
The effort to nurture a reading culture doesn’t stop at school level. At Durban University of Technology, librarian Nozipho Majola stresses that books — whether digital or print — are essential tools for growth. “Reading introduces new vocabulary, strengthens comprehension, and sharpens critical thinking,” she said. Students are even forming reading clubs across campuses, proving that a shared love of books can build both knowledge and community.
For students like Wandiswa Nxumalo, a third-year journalism student at DUT, books have been life-changing. She discovered her passion for reading in grade 6, moving from children’s books to fantasy novels that sparked her creativity. “Books give me an escape and inspire my writing,” she said. “E-books are convenient, but nothing compares to holding a real book in my hands.”
Though technology is reshaping how we read, one truth remains: books still have the power to inspire, comfort, and connect us. This National Book Week reminds us that beyond academics, reading opens doors to imagination, confidence, and lifelong learning.