Gqeberha – Isuzu Motors South Africa (IMSAf) is deepening its commitment to educational upliftment in Nelson Mandela Bay through the continuation and expansion of the Rally to Read initiative. Now in its second year, the programme has already transformed classrooms, empowered teachers, and sparked a love for reading in young learners — with even more ambitious goals set for 2025 and beyond.
What began as a bold step towards improving literacy in under-resourced communities has grown into a model of long-term, sustainable impact. Through its partnership with Rally to Read, IMSAf has provided vital resources and training to three primary schools in the region: Khulile Primary in Motherwell, Kaysar Ngxwana Primary in KwaZakhele, and St Albans Primary in St Albans. These schools now benefit from well-stocked library boxes, foundational classroom materials, and tailored digital learning tools for Grades R to 3.
But the impact goes beyond books.
“The Rally to Read initiative has enabled us to realise our aspiration of positive social impact and investing in meaningful and sustainable education outcomes in communities,” says Celestin Ndhlovu, Vice President of Planning, Marketing and Corporate Affairs at Isuzu Motors South Africa. “The transformation we’re witnessing in these schools affirms the power of collaboration, community, and the consistent investment in youth development.”
Since its 2024 inception, the programme has reached over 600 learners, with a clear and compelling goal: to impact 4,000 learners by 2030. Central to this vision is the programme’s holistic approach — uplifting not just children, but the entire educational ecosystem surrounding them.
Empowering Teachers, Sustaining Change
One of the most powerful aspects of the initiative has been the support it provides to educators. Teachers have received practical training in effective literacy strategies, and are better equipped to support learners who require additional guidance. Management teams have also been instrumental in embedding the programme’s methodologies into their school cultures, ensuring its longevity well past the three-year implementation phase.
“Seeing the impact of this programme unfold over time reminds us why we do what we do,” says Sibhekaphi Sibanda, Project Manager at READ Educational Trust. “Together with ISUZU, we are not just donating books — we are building the capacity of schools, teachers, and families to support literacy development that will change lives.”
Looking Ahead: A New Focus for 2025
Building on the momentum of the past year, the Rally to Read initiative in 2025 will shift its focus to Intermediate and Senior Phase learners (Grades 4–7). This evolution will see the introduction of enhanced digital literacy training for teachers, including the use of artificial intelligence to co-create culturally relevant stories — an exciting blend of tradition and technology.
Recognising that education is a shared responsibility, this year’s programme also includes greater parental involvement. Parents are being encouraged and empowered to become active partners in their children’s literacy journey, reinforcing classroom learning at home.
“We have seen significant progress amongst our learners since the inception of the programme. They are now able to read with confidence and understanding,” says Linda Nonxuba, Principal at Khulile Primary School. “The additional training and support offered to our staff has also empowered them in their day-to-day teaching activities. We look forward to the expansion of the programme to our higher grades this year.”
Driving Impact Through Purpose
IMSAf’s continued partnership with Rally to Read is a powerful example of how corporate responsibility can go hand-in-hand with real, measurable social change. By investing in education, particularly in the formative stages of learning, Isuzu is not only building stronger communities but also laying the groundwork for a generation of confident, literate, and future-ready South Africans.
This is more than a reading programme — it’s a rallying call for hope, opportunity, and transformation.
