Pretoria, South Africa – In a country where literacy remains one of the most powerful predictors of future opportunity, long-term partnerships that strengthen early education carry weight far beyond the classroom. Mercedes-Benz South Africa (MBSA) and the READ Educational Trust are once again putting that principle into action, reaffirming a 27-year collaboration dedicated to improving literacy outcomes and expanding access to quality education in under-resourced communities.
In 2025, MBSA renewed its commitment with a R4 million investment into the Rally to Read programme, supporting 16 participating schools and reinforcing a shared mission to build stronger educational foundations for young learners. The initiative continues to focus on rural and underserved communities, where access to structured learning resources and sustained literacy support can make a measurable difference in academic progression.
At the heart of Rally to Read is a practical, classroom-centred approach to literacy development. Teachers are equipped with targeted training and ongoing support, ensuring that instruction is not only resource-rich but also methodologically strong. The programme extends beyond the classroom as well, engaging parents and guardians to help reinforce reading, language development and comprehension at home, strengthening the learning environment across both school and community settings.
This layered support system is reinforced through the provision of carefully curated educational materials, including books, digital learning tools and essential classroom supplies. For foundation phase learners, these resources are more than tools; they are building blocks for confidence, comprehension and long-term academic capability.
A defining feature of the partnership is the annual Rally to Read activation, which brings MBSA employees directly into participating schools. More than a corporate initiative, it functions as a hands-on volunteer platform where employees assist with reading activities, engage with learners and help distribute learning materials. This active involvement strengthens the link between corporate social investment and employee participation, transforming the initiative into a shared organisational effort rather than a distant funding exercise.
Speaking on the partnership, Thato Mntambo, General Manager: Corporate Affairs at Mercedes-Benz South Africa, highlighted the broader intent behind the investment, noting that strengthening literacy at a foundational level is essential to developing the skills and capabilities that will shape South Africa’s future workforce. By supporting both educators and learners, the programme contributes to building a stronger talent pipeline for the country’s long-term development.
From the perspective of the READ Educational Trust, the collaboration continues to expand both reach and impact. Chief Executive Officer Carol Read emphasised that MBSA’s sustained support over nearly three decades has been instrumental in scaling the Rally to Read programme. She also noted the onboarding of 12 new schools in the Eastern Cape this year, a milestone that reflects both the growth of the initiative and its ongoing commitment to investing in young learners and their futures.
Across rural classrooms and school communities, Rally to Read continues to demonstrate how structured support, consistent engagement and collaborative effort can reshape educational outcomes. More than a literacy programme, it represents a sustained investment in human potential, helping to ensure that the next generation is better equipped, better supported and better prepared for the opportunities ahead.
