In the lead-up to the 3rd Annual Ingcayizivele Book Festival, BookHive will be hitting the road from 15 to 18 September 2025 for a Schools Book Tour aimed at igniting a love of reading among learners in the province.
The partnership is with Siyafunda Donate a Book, a Pretoria-based organisation under the theme: “No Rural Child Shall Be Left Behind.”
The tour will see over eight schools in Kabokweni, Barberton, and Matsulu receive book donations, story time sessions, and interactive reading activities all designed to inspire young minds and encourage a culture of lifelong learning.
BookHive and Siyafunda will be distributing thousands of books to learners and school libraries in under-resourced communities. The initiative underscores a shared commitment to making sure that every child has access to books, regardless of where they live.
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Bobo Lukhele, founder of BookHive and the visionary behind the Ingcayizivele Book Festival, passionately believes in the power of books to transform lives.
“Every child deserves to own a book, and every home deserves a bookshelf. I remember growing up with a big, beautiful school library — and every learner had a library card. Sadly, that’s no longer the norm. We want to change that.”
Ntokozo Ndlovu, founder of Siyafunda says it should not matter if a child lives in a rural or urban area. “Every child deserves access to books and the opportunity to dream through read.”
Lukhele is also inviting schools across the province to attend the Ingcayizivele Book Festival on 20 September 2025 at the Ehlanzeni Municipality Disaster Management and Conference Centre.
“We will have over 10 children’s authors reading and having fun with learners. It’s going to be a celebration of books, stories, and the joy of learning,” says Lukhele.
Schools interested in receiving book donations or establishing a school library are encouraged to reach out to BookHive or Siyafunda Donate a Book.
