Nomzamo Mbatha is leaving a significant mark beyond her acting career with the recent inauguration of a library dedicated to children in Cape Town.
In collaboration with the Cotton On Foundation and The Bookery, her charity, the Nomzamo Lighthouse Foundation, played a pivotal role in establishing the Beyond Words Library at Masivuke Primary School located in Philippi.
This effort is part of a wider goal to reduce illiteracy and increase children’s access to books in under-resourced areas.
Expressing her enthusiasm online, Mbatha shared her gratitude for her collaborators, stating: “MY WELL OF GRATITUDE does not run dry! THANK YOU @cottononfoundation for trusting @nomzamo_lighthouse in this partnership and massive investment to bring the VERY FIRST Beyond Words library to life.”
The road to establishing the library was not easy. Mbatha noted that some construction firms were reluctant to participate, perceiving Philippi as “dangerous, risky, tough.”
Nonetheless, the commitment to providing a beneficial space for the local population remained strong.
The new library offers more than just books; it is designed to be a welcoming and stimulating atmosphere, complete with comfortable reading nooks and innovative features such as a reading tree, creating an enjoyable learning environment for children.
Mbatha also shared her own experiences with reading, emphasizing how it influenced her life and helped her explore opportunities beyond her background in KwaMashu, significantly shaping her career path.
This initiative addresses the continuing literacy issues faced in South Africa.
According to research from the University of Pretoria, many Grade 4 students struggle with reading comprehension, a challenge often associated with limited access to books in poorer communities.
For Mbatha, this reinforces the idea that access to reading materials should be viewed as a fundamental need rather than a luxury.
Additionally, the library incorporates a digital literacy program, ensuring that children acquire necessary skills for today’s technological landscape, thus keeping the facility relevant beyond conventional reading.
