Book World South Africa will launch Mandela in Young Voices alongside Project R2Million, expanding literacy opportunities through fundraising, mentorship and education support for young writers.
Book World South Africa (BWSA) will launch its Mandela in Young Voices poetry anthology together with Project R2Million on 31 July 2026 at the Rustenburg Civic Centre, celebrating young authors while creating new opportunities to strengthen literacy across underserved communities.
The event marks the culmination of a journey that began during International Mandela Month 2025, when 67 Grade 7 learners participated in poetry writing workshops, slam competitions and creative writing sessions before contributing to the published anthology.
While the book celebrates the voices and creativity of young South Africans, organisers say the launch also signals the beginning of a broader literacy fundraising initiative.
Project R2Million has been designed to use Mandela in Young Voices as a fundraising platform to support three key literacy initiatives: the VTSD Book Donation Drive, which provides books to children in Villages, Towns and Small Dorpies across the North West; the Body of Knowledge Mentorship Programme; and the Bokwadi Education Fund, which supports the young writers who contributed to the anthology.
Book World South Africa says the initiative reflects its belief that literacy extends beyond reading and writing, creating opportunities for education, personal development and long-term community transformation.
The organisation continues to work with schools, parents, educators, community leaders, researchers, civil society organisations and private sector partners to develop sustainable literacy programmes that respond to local community needs.
The launch will bring together education stakeholders, community leaders, supporters and partners to celebrate the achievements of the young authors while inviting organisations and individuals to help expand literacy opportunities for future generations.
By combining storytelling with sustainable fundraising, Mandela in Young Voices and Project R2Million aim to demonstrate how education, collaboration and community investment can help build a stronger culture of reading while opening doors for young people across South Africa.
