May 28
At this month’s Making Reading Fun, author Fatima Collins invited our young readers to close their eyes, take a deep breath, and imagine their happy place.
The children shared beautiful reflections inspired by Shamshi Finds Her Light, reminding us of the power of storytelling, imagination, and creating spaces where young people feel seen, safe, and joyful.
Through Making Reading Fun, we continue to encourage a love for reading, as tool to building more just societies built on community.
Save the date for our next session on 20 June!
#MakingReadingFun #MakingGoodTrouble #AfricaMonth #NelsonMandelaFoundation
3
6
1,604
May 16
We’re excited to welcome guest author Fatima Collins, who will read from her book, Shamshi Finds Her Light.
As we continue to mark Africa Month and build towards Nelson Mandela Day, today reminds us that building a culture of reading is also part of building a more caring, connected and equal society.
#MakingReadingFun #MakingGoodTrouble #AfricaMonth #NelsonMandelaFoundation
7
10
1,928
May 13
It’s time for another joyful edition of Making Reading Fun on Saturday, 16 May 2026 at the Nelson Mandela Foundation.
We’re excited to be joined by guest author Fatima Collins, who will read from her book, Shamshi Finds Her Light.
As we celebrate Africa Month and build towards International Nelson Mandela Day, this edition is centred on stories, community and sharing the joy of reading with young people.
Families are warmly encouraged, though not required, to wear African attire as we celebrate African storytelling, culture and community.
#NelsonMandelaFoundation #MakingReadingFun #MakingGoodTrouble
2
2
1,153
Mar 21
Today, the Nelson Mandela Foundation hosted a special edition of its Making Reading Fun programme, bringing together children, families and young authors to centre literacy as a fundamental human right.
As South Africa reflects on the legacy of Sharpeville and the ongoing struggle for dignity and equality, the Foundation used storytelling to highlight a critical truth: without the ability to read for meaning, many children are excluded from fully participating in society.
The programme featured readings by author and reader Mathabo Tlali, alongside guest authors Gomolemo Moagi, Naledi Setzin and Mahlohonolo Thulo, creating an interactive space for intergenerational storytelling.
At a time when the majority of Grade 4 learners in South Africa cannot read for meaning, access to books, language and literacy is not simply an educational issue, it is a matter of justice.
#MakingReadingFun #HumanRightsDay #NelsonMandelaFoundation #EducationForFreedom
1
5
13
1,240
Mar 21
A young reader owning the moment, full of confidence and soaking in the energy of the day.
#MakingReadingFun #HumanRightsDay #NelsonMandelaFoundation #EducationForFreedom
1
3
6
2,165
Mar 21
It wouldn’t be Human Rights Day without the National Anthem, a moment that reminds us of the freedoms we enjoy and the nation that made them possible.
#MakingReadingFun #HumanRightsDay #NelsonMandelaFoundation #EducationForFreedom
4
2
11
2,133
Mar 21
Aunty Mathabo has everyone on their feet, bringing movement, laughter and excitement into the room. This is what Making Reading Fun is all about.
#MakingReadingFun #HumanRightsDay #NelsonMandelaFoundation #EducationForFreedom
4
958
Mar 21
Young learners are being invited up from the crowd to read, stepping into the moment and sharing in the joy of storytelling.
#MakingReadingFun #HumanRightsDay #NelsonMandelaFoundation #EducationForFreedom
2
6
859
Mar 21
Aunty Mathabo is here celebrating her birthday with us and bringing great energy into the room.
#MakingReadingFun #HumanRightsDay #NelsonMandelaFoundation #EducationForFreedom
1
5
1,114
Mar 21
Our readers are gathered, and the magic of storytelling is about to begin.
#MakingReadingFun #HumanRightsDay #NelsonMandelaFoundation #EducationForFreedom
3
5
937
Mar 21
Mar 18
In celebration of Human Rights Month, the Nelson Mandela Foundation invites children and their families to a special edition of our Making Reading Fun programme on Human Rights Day, 21 March.
Join us for a morning of storytelling, imagination, and shared learning, including a reading of the children’s illustrated edition of Long Walk to Freedom, introducing young readers to Nelson Mandela’s story in an engaging and accessible way.
This gathering will also celebrate the birthday of Aunty Mathabo, whose dedication over the past four years has helped build a joyful and welcoming reading community.
The day will feature guest authors Sihle-Isipho Nontshokweni-Bikitsha, Gomolemo Moagi, and Naledi Setzin. Books will also be available for purchase.
Through reading and conversation, we continue to nurture a culture of human rights and a lifelong relationship with books from a young age.
We look forward to welcoming you.
#MakingReadingFun #HumanRightsDay #NelsonMandelaFoundation #EducationForFreedom
1
1
1
1,105
Mar 19
This Saturday, we’re joined by a powerful group of storytellers bringing imagination, insight and inspiration to life.
From award-winning author Sihle-Isipho Nontshokweni-Bikitsha, to emerging voices like Gomolemo Moagi and Naledi Setzin, each reader brings a unique perspective rooted in literacy, creativity and the joy of storytelling.
At the heart of it all is Mathabo Tali, whose passion and consistency have helped shape the Making Reading Fun programme into a space children return to with excitement and curiosity.
Together, they continue to nurture a love for reading in young minds.
See you there.
#MakingReadingFun #NelsonMandelaFoundation #LiteracyMatters #Storytelling
2
8
1,228
Mar 18
In celebration of Human Rights Month, the Nelson Mandela Foundation invites children and their families to a special edition of our Making Reading Fun programme on Human Rights Day, 21 March.
Join us for a morning of storytelling, imagination, and shared learning, including a reading of the children’s illustrated edition of Long Walk to Freedom, introducing young readers to Nelson Mandela’s story in an engaging and accessible way.
This gathering will also celebrate the birthday of Aunty Mathabo, whose dedication over the past four years has helped build a joyful and welcoming reading community.
The day will feature guest authors Sihle-Isipho Nontshokweni-Bikitsha, Gomolemo Moagi, and Naledi Setzin. Books will also be available for purchase.
Through reading and conversation, we continue to nurture a culture of human rights and a lifelong relationship with books from a young age.
We look forward to welcoming you.
#MakingReadingFun #HumanRightsDay #NelsonMandelaFoundation #EducationForFreedom
3
3
6
2,948
Feb 23
This past Saturday the Nelson Mandela Foundation hosted the first Making Reading Fun event of 2026, welcoming families for a joyful morning centred on storytelling, imagination and a love of reading.
Children spent time reading the children’s adaptation of Nelson Mandela’s Long Walk to Freedom, bringing an important part of South Africa’s history closer to young readers in a way that is engaging and meaningful.
Through initiatives like Making Reading Fun we continue creating spaces where reading becomes both enjoyable and empowering, helping children connect with stories, understand the past and grow into informed and curious citizens.
In sharing these stories we continue the work of mobilising Madiba’s legacy for a new generation.
#MakingReadingFun #NelsonMandelaFoundation #LiteracyMatters
3
10
29
2,704
@winterfoldhs Junior Leaders, making puppets and reading with our youngest children in Kindergarten 🥰 #pupilvoice #makingreadingfun x
1
3
128
20 Nov 2025
Dear Moms, Dads, and Guardians,
We are just two days away from the National Children’s Month edition of our Making Reading Fun event.
Join us for a joyful morning of storytelling that celebrates imagination, the importance of play, and the voices of our children.
Event details;
Date: Saturday, 22 November 2025
Time: 10h00
Location: Nelson Mandela Foundation, 107 Central Street, Houghton Estate, Johannesburg, 2198
RSVP here: bit.ly/4ikLqjp
#MakingReadingFun
#NationalChildrensMonth
4
6
2,176
29 Sep 2025
@winterfoldhs Junior Leaders reading some of their favourite books to the little ones in Kindergarten 🥰 #pupilvoice #makingreadingfun
1
5
124
29 Sep 2025
@winterfoldhs Junior Leaders reading some of their favourite books to the little ones in Kindergarten 🥰 #pupilvoice #makingreadingfun
1
3
114
29 Sep 2025
@winterfoldhs Junior Leaders reading some of their favourite books to the little ones in Kindergarten 🥰 #pupilvoice #makingreadingfun
2
3
159
29 Sep 2025
@winterfoldhs Junior Leaders reading some of their favourite books to the little ones in Kindergarten 🥰 #pupilvoice #makingreadingfun
1
5
130