As the world marks World Book Day, the Department of Cultural Affairs and Sport in the Western Cape has launched the #OnWednesdaysWeRead campaign, aimed at building a stronger culture of reading across communities. The initiative encourages individuals, schools, and organisations to set aside time every Wednesday to read, making the habit more visible and accessible.
Western Cape Minister of Cultural Affairs and Sport, Ricardo Mackenzie, said the campaign is about more than literacy; it is about creating opportunities and improving long-term outcomes for young people.
“I was speaking this morning at a library in Bloubergstrand, and I was telling them the only reason I’m standing here as a provincial minister is because I can read,” Mackenzie said. “Not because I’m better than anyone, but I was very privileged to have a grandmother who understood the value of reading.”
He highlighted ongoing challenges, noting that fewer people are visiting libraries and that many learners struggle with reading, contributing to school dropouts.
“Our aim is to encourage people to start reading, to start falling in love with reading, and to visit libraries,” he added.
Mackenzie said he has spent the past 18 months visiting libraries across the province to better understand how to boost engagement. The campaign forms part of broader efforts to strengthen literacy, support education, and inspire a lifelong love of reading among residents.
Listen to the full interview below:
VOC News
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