The fathers, brothers, uncles and sons of Khayelitsha are stepping up as active literacy champions by bringing the power of books, reading and connection into their homes and streets.
Khayelitsha, South Africa (14 July 2026) – The young men of Khayelitsha are rising above their challenges and inspiring the younger generation. In fact, they’re disrupting the status quo of what it means to be a young man navigating life in the township.
Through a recently held Men’s Literacy Imbizo workshop, young men were empowered to be part of the solution to the literacy problem that affects countless children and families by stepping up to establish community reading clubs!
Nal’ibali, in partnership with Dlala Tata, brought together young men at Khayelitsha Library for the Men’s Literacy Club Workshop. The day began with an interactive father and son storytelling session facilitated by Nal’ibali Community Development Coordinator and respected author, Madoda Ndlakuse.
Drawing on his experience as a writer, father, son, uncle and community leader, Ndlakuse guided participants through conversations on the power of storytelling to strengthen relationships, encourage meaningful dialogue and nurture a love of reading.
Building on these conversations, facilitators Chuma Puta and Thando Mkhoyi from Dlala Tata equipped participants with the knowledge, practical tools and confidence to establish and strengthen community reading clubs.
Through interactive activities, storytelling and shared learning, the young men in attendance explored what it takes to create safe, welcoming spaces where children and families can enjoy reading together.
Because when a young boy sees an older guy from his block, someone who looks like him, talks like him, and understands his reality, holding a book and valuing education, it completely rewrites what it means to “be a man”. Reading is no longer viewed as a purely school-bound or “uncool” activity but shows leadership, care, and intellectual curiosity as powerful masculine traits.
The workshop forms part of the Men’s Literacy Imbizo, a Nal’ibali initiative that mobilises men and male caregivers to become active literacy champions in their homes and communities.
By creating spaces for learning, reflection and action, the programme encourages participants to use stories and reading as tools to build stronger relationships and inspire the next generation of readers.
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The educational and community-driven initiative continues to demonstrate that when men are equipped and supported, they can play a transformative role in fostering a culture of reading and strengthening literacy across South Africa.
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