Nal'ibali

25/09/2026

South African teenagers enjoy reading, but want more books in their own languages.

We joined Elvis Presslin on First Take SA on SAfmRadio this morning to unpack new findings from the National Reading Barometer’s Teen Reading Pilot Survey 2026.

Our Lead Researcher, Dr Tara Polzer-Ngwato, explained what the findings reveal about teenagers’ reading habits, attitudes and access to books, and what they mean for reading in South Africa.

🎧 Listen to the conversation: https://omny.fm/shows/first-take-sa/sa-teenagers-say-they-enjoy-reading-but-want-more-books-in-their-own-languages

25/09/2026

September Reading Challenge is still on!

Make reading part of your family’s everyday routine. A few pages, a shared story and a little time together can spark creativity, learning and a lifelong love of reading.

Join us! Download BookSmart and start reading today. Download using this link👇🏾
https://www.worldreader.org/booksmart/

24/09/2026

What are South African teenagers telling us about reading?

Nal'ibali’s Executive Director Mme Lorato Trok joins seasoned anchor Joanne Joseph on Daily Discourse on SAfmRadio, produced by Dr Keneilwe Sebola, to unpack the findings of our National Reading Barometer Teen Reading Pilot Survey Summary Report 2026, launched yesterday in Pretoria.

The pilot survey offers new insights into teenagers’ reading habits, attitudes towards reading and access to books, including their desire for more books in their own languages.

Tune in and join the conversation.

Listen to SAfm nationwide on 104.0–107.0 FM, on DStv Channel 814, or stream online via SABC Plus or the official SAfm website.

Don’t miss it. Tune in and hear what South Africa’s teenagers are telling us about reading.

24/09/2026

New insights into teen reading in South Africa.

The National Reading Barometer’s Teen Reading Pilot Survey 2026 was launched yesterday at the National Library of South Africa in Pretoria.

The pilot explores teenagers’ reading habits, attitudes and access to books, including their desire for more reading material in their own languages.

The findings highlight opportunities to strengthen reading culture among teenagers across South Africa.

The full summary report is available here: https://www.readingbarometersa.org/content/teen-reading-pilot-survey-summary-report-2026

24/09/2026

24/09/2026

24/09/2026

Our stories carry our history, knowledge, languages and heritage.

Through storytelling and writing in indigenous languages, we keep this knowledge alive and pass it from one generation to the next.

When we preserve our stories, we preserve who we are.

Happy Heritage Day Mzansi!!!

23/09/2026

Literacy, heritage and empowered caregivers!

Our Core and SEF5 teams were in Lower Ncorha, Chris Hani East District, with Tutuse NPC, bringing literacy to life by empowering caregivers and celebrating the languages, stories and heritage that shape our communities.

When caregivers have the tools and confidence to support reading, children have more opportunities to discover the joy of stories, build language skills and grow as readers.

Together, we’re putting stories and reading at the heart of families and communities.

22/09/2026

Together, we can turn school libraries into thriving spaces for reading.

We partnered with the Trevor Noah Foundation for an educators’ and parents’ training at JB Marks Primary School in Braamfischer, focusing on reading clubs as a way to bring the library to life and encourage more learners to read, borrow books and make the library part of their everyday lives.

Strong partnerships create stronger reading cultures. We’re always open to working with partners who want to help more children discover the joy of reading.