# South Africa Opens Its 100th School Library, Reaching 125,000 Learners Every Day > A library isn’t just a room full of books. For a child, it’s a place to spark new ideas, wander into different worlds, grow confident, and picture what's ![South Africa Opens Its 100th School Library, Reaching 125,000 Learners Every Day](/media/2026/11/Positivity---2026-11-02T103404-861-496f9429.webp) ## A library isn’t just a room full of books. For a child, it’s a place to spark new ideas, wander into different worlds, grow confident, and picture what's possible beyond the school walls. In South Africa, a long-standing literacy programme keeps creating those moments for more kids. On October 27, 2026, the DP World and Motus Community Trust reached a big milestone—opening their 100th school library, this time at Katlehong Primary School in Gauteng. That’s not just a number; it marks real progress. Since this effort started, over 230,000 kids have benefited, and right now, the programme serves about 125,000 learners every single day. (Source: Engineering News) For thousands of these students, the libraries mean something real: books they can actually hold, a place where they feel welcome, and the freedom to get curious. Advertisement ## A Library That Opens Doors to Learning The fresh walls and shelves of the new Katlehong library are more than a nice addition—they’re a boost for reading and learning in a place that really needs it. These libraries don’t just stash books. They offer students technology, quiet corners for reading or research, and real spots for studying. More than that, there’s always a full-time librarian assistant on hand. This person does more than point out where the science fiction lives; they help kids find just what they need, teach them how to make the most of the library, and encourage regular reading. That hands-on support turns the space into an active learning hub. It’s not just storage—it’s guidance, encouragement, and a chance for students to grow as readers. Katlehong Primary’s 1,720 children now have the kind of resource the school’s been hoping for. Principal Ben Sidwaba sees this as a game-changer—not just for the school, but for families in the whole neighborhood. ## A Programme with Deep Roots The path to these 100 libraries started back in 2003 with Hafiz Mahomed and the late Bill Lynch, who created the Imperial and Ukhamba Community Development Trust. Advertisement At first, they aimed to help township schools with maths and science. Pretty soon, they saw the truth—kids have to read well to succeed in any subject. So, in 2010, the mission shifted: let’s get serious about reading. School libraries and resource centers became the focus. Now, years later, the effort has grown into a steady partnership—DP World and Motus Community Trust, local schools, businesses, and community groups all in it together. The 100th library isn’t just the result of one big donation. It’s proof of consistent work, adding more learning spaces, one at a time. ## Why Access to Reading Resources Matters Learning to read is the bedrock of learning anything else. Reading helps kids follow instructions, widen their interests, share their thoughts, and set themselves up for what comes next. Yet, a lot of South African kids still have a hard time getting their hands on books or even a decent spot to read. According to the Department of Basic Education's Funda Uphumelele National Survey (November 2025), the challenges are plain: 15% of Grade 3 learners who took part couldn’t read a single word. Those numbers make one thing clear—early reading support and access to resources aren’t just important; they’re urgent. (Source: Engineering News) This library project isn’t just handing out books. They mix resources with personal help, especially zeroing in on Grades 1 to 3—those critical first years for reading. The goal isn’t just to nudge kids to get through more pages. They want children to follow stories, dig up new things, ask questions, and turn reading into a lifelong tool. ## Opportunities That Go Beyond Books This initiative doesn’t just change things for students. It opens doors for the people working in the libraries, too. Hiring full-time librarian assistants gives young people real jobs and a chance to pick up new skills. Some have moved on to become teachers or even heads of department—carrying that library experience with them. In other words, these libraries don’t just support learners; they launch careers. Partners like Europcar, Hyundai, Renault, and YES4Youth have all chipped in. Working together—businesses, schools, communities—makes long-term progress possible. ## 100 Libraries, and Counting Opening 100 school libraries stands out—not just because of the number, but because of what it means for kids. More places to read, more guidance, more chances to find something that sparks a love of learning. There’s still a long way to go before every child in South Africa has the resources they need. Libraries can’t solve everything. But having books, skilled staff, and steady reading routines is a huge push in the right direction. What started with a simple goal in 2003 has now reached its hundredth library. That’s the power of staying committed. For the 125,000 young people who step into these libraries every day, the space offers more than words on a page. It’s a chance to explore, understand, and stretch their world. And for every child who grabs a book and sees things differently—even just once—a library can be the beginning of something life-changing. > When kids have books and someone to encourage them, they don’t just pick up facts. They start to see new paths for their future and, honestly, that’s the whole point. Explore Related Topics Take the Positivity Quiz More in Good News Share this article ### Stay Inspired Get a daily dose of positivity delivered to your inbox. ### Discover More on Positivity What Is Positivity? 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