Nomzamo Mbatha Leads R20 Million Literacy Campaign to Empower South Africa’s Youth

Acclaimed actress, UNHCR Goodwill Ambassador, and humanitarian Nomzamo Mbatha has once again proven her commitment to uplifting South Africa’s future. In a bold and heartfelt move, she has launched a groundbreaking R20 million literacy campaign aimed at transforming education in under-resourced communities across the country.

Partnering with the Cotton On Foundation through her own Lighthouse Foundation, Nomzamo is spearheading Beyond Words—an ambitious campaign designed to address South Africa’s alarming literacy crisis and bring hope to thousands of young learners.

Nomzamo Mbatha’s Beyond Words: A Timely Response to a National Crisis

Launched in celebration of Youth Month, the Beyond Words campaign is more than just an educational initiative—it’s a lifeline. Recent statistics revealed that 81% of Grade 4 learners in South Africa cannot read for meaning, and that 78% of public schools lack functional libraries. These shocking figures highlight a critical gap in the country’s education system, one that Nomzamo Mbatha and her partners are determined to close.

“This campaign aims to change all that,” said Nomzamo. “It’s not just about providing books—it’s about building full ecosystems for literacy. That means functional libraries, trained facilitators, reading software, and a deep investment in learner development.”

For Nomzamo, literacy isn’t simply about academic success—it’s about opening doors to a more empowered and independent life.

“Literacy is the key to a fulfilled life,” she explained. “With Beyond Words, we’re helping children not just read, but imagine a future that stretches beyond the limits they were born into.”

Long-Term Impact Through Strategic Partnerships

Nomzamo Mbatha’s campaign is supported by a powerful coalition of partners determined to deliver lasting impact. One of the key collaborators is The Bookery, a non-profit organization that has already established 98 school libraries and donated over 375,000 books, reaching nearly 100,000 learners nationwide.

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The Cotton On Foundation, which has a global footprint in youth-focused development, is providing the campaign’s financial backbone and retail platform. South Africa Country Manager Acanda Jaswa emphasized that Beyond Words is “designed to be measurable, sustainable, and long-term. This is not a once-off charity drive—it’s a movement.”

The campaign will focus on building new libraries in high-need schools, providing digital literacy tools, training educators in reading facilitation, and ensuring long-term monitoring of literacy levels in supported schools.

How South Africans Can Support Beyond Words

From Youth Day on 16 June through Mandela Day on 18 July, the public is invited to be a part of this national movement. By simply shopping at Cotton On, Typo, or Factorie stores—whether in-store or online—South Africans can make a tangible difference. Profits from the sale of selected Cotton On Foundation products such as tote bags, bottled water, wet wipes, and breath mints will go directly toward funding the campaign.

Nomzamo Mbatha stressed the importance of community participation. “Every small act of support adds up. Whether you’re donating, shopping with intention, or spreading the word—your action counts. Together, we can turn the page for a generation.”

Supporters can also make direct donations through the Cotton On Foundation website or share information about the campaign on social media to help raise awareness.

This campaign is personal for Nomzamo Mbatha. Having grown up in KwaMashu, she understands firsthand the challenges faced by children in underserved communities. Her success on international stages—from Hollywood to humanitarian platforms—has never separated her from her roots.

“Every child deserves the chance to dream boldly,” she said. “We can’t expect greatness from learners if we don’t provide them with the most basic tools—books, space to read, and encouragement.”

Beyond Words is not just a literacy campaign. It’s a statement of belief in the potential of South Africa’s youth—a belief that, with the right support, children can rise above poverty, inequality, and poor infrastructure.

The Legacy of Literacy

Nomzamo Mbatha is using her platform not only to entertain but to inspire and enact real change. By combining her influence with strategic partnerships and community engagement, she’s building a legacy that reaches far beyond film sets and red carpets.

With Beyond Words, Nomzamo is redefining what it means to be a celebrity humanitarian—placing literacy, dignity, and access at the heart of nation-building.

As the campaign gains momentum, it serves as a powerful reminder that the ability to read and write is more than a skill—it’s a foundation for freedom, opportunity, and transformation.

Source – EWN