Corporate social responsibility partnership the DP World and Motus Community Trust has opened its one-hundredth school library at Katlehong Primary School, in Gauteng, on October 27, marking a milestone in a literacy programme that has benefited more than 230 000 learners and currently reaches 125 000 learners daily.

The milestone comes as South Africa continues to grapple with foundational literacy challenges. The Department of Basic Education’s Funda Uphumelele National Survey, released in November 2025, found that 15% of Grade 3 learners could not read a single word, the trust reported.

Speaking at the library handover, Gauteng Education, Sports, Arts, Culture and Recreation MEC Lebogang Maile highlighted the importance of the collaboration between government, business and communities in addressing the country’s education challenges.

He noted that the scale of the demands on the public education system made partnerships with the private sector important, while emphasising that government remained responsible for providing education.

“Collaborative work in our communities and our society builds social capital, social cohesion and a shared sense of belonging. Sometimes you might not understand the magnitude of the impact you make as the private sector,” Maile said.

He also pointed to the pressures created by growing learner numbers, overcrowded schools and the need for additional resources, noting that educators often carried responsibilities extending beyond teaching.

SUSTAINED INVESTMENT IN LITERACY

The programme traces its origins to 2003, when DP World and Motus Community Trust chairperson Hafiz Mahomed and the late former Imperial CEO and chairperson Bill Lynch established the Imperial and Ukhamba Community Development Trust as part of a broad-based black economic empowerment (BBBEE) transaction.

Initially focused on improving mathematics and science results in township schools, the trust subsequently identified literacy as a fundamental requirement for learners to succeed across the curriculum.

This led to a shift towards reading and comprehension, with libraries and resource centres becoming central to its education programme from 2010.

For Motus CEO Ockert Janse van Rensburg, the milestone demonstrates the importance of ensuring that access to educational resources translates into meaningful outcomes.

“Creating access is an important first step, but lasting outcomes stem from creating environments where learners feel comfortable using this access and applying it to improve their future prospects,” he said.

Each library provides learners with access to books, technology and dedicated spaces for reading, research and study. A full-time librarian assistant supports learners in using these resources and helps cultivate a culture of reading.

Beyond the immediate educational benefits, the initiative has created employment and skills development opportunities through librarian assistant positions. Some former assistants have progressed to become teachers and heads of department.

For Katlehong Primary School principal Ben Sidwaba, the library opening represents the fulfilment of a long-standing ambition to strengthen learning opportunities at the school.

“For us, today represents hope, opportunity, growth and a brighter future for our learners and the entire community” he said.

The school currently has about 1 720 learners.

BUILDING ON THE MILESTONE

Mahomed remarked that the one-hundredth library reflected the value of sustained investment in education and the commitment of schools and communities to improving learner outcomes.

“What began as part of a BBBEE transaction in 2003 has grown into one of South Africa's most enduring and sustainable literacy programmes.

“Behind each of these 100 libraries stands a school, a community, a generation of learners and a team of dedicated educators who believe that books, properly chosen and properly used, and a conducive environment can change a child's trajectory,” he said.