This coming Sunday marks International Literacy Day, celebrated every year on the 8th of September.

Organised by UNESCO, the aim is to raise public awareness around the importance of improving literacy levels among the estimated 763 million people who lack the ability to read and write confidently.

The 2024 International Literacy Day theme is "Promoting multilingual education: Literacy for mutual understanding and peace".  

In South Africa, 43-percent of households with young children have no books at all and only 16-percent of South African homes contain more than five books.

To discuss this further is Masennya Dikotla Director at Qualibooks.

This coming Sunday marks International Literacy Day, celebrated every year on the 8th of September.
Organised by UNESCO, the aim is to raise public awareness around the importance of improving literacy levels among the estimated 763 million people who lack the ability to read and write confidently.
The 2024 International Literacy Day theme is "Promoting multilingual education: Literacy for mutual understanding and peace".  
In South Africa, 43-percent of households with young children have no books at all and only 16-percent of South African homes contain more than five books.
To discuss this further is Masennya Dikotla Director at Qualibooks.

Africa Rise & Shine

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International Literacy Day

The Seventy-ninth World Health Assembly has concluded in Geneva following discussions on strengthening healthcare systems amid growing funding pressures, workforce shortages, and climate-related health threats. Held under the theme "Together for Health. Stand with Science," the Assembly focused on resilience, innovation, and inclusive leadership in global health. For African countries, the conversations come at a critical time as governments work to strengthen health systems and improve preparedness for future health emergencies. To reflect on the outcomes of the Assembly and what they mean for the continent, Tsepiso Makwetla spoke to Akhona Tshangela, Southern Africa Director at WomenLift Health.

The Seventy-ninth World Health Assembly has concluded in Geneva following discussions on strengthening healthcare systems amid growing funding pressures, workforce shortages, and climate-related health threats. Held under the theme "Together for Health. Stand with Science," the Assembly focused on resilience, innovation, and inclusive leadership in global health. For African countries, the conversations come at a critical time as governments work to strengthen health systems and improve preparedness for future health emergencies. To reflect on the outcomes of the Assembly and what they mean for the continent, Tsepiso Makwetla spoke to Akhona Tshangela, Southern Africa Director at WomenLift Health.

World Health Assembly Concludes with Focus on Resilient Healthcare Systems and Africa’s Health Future

The African Union Commission has held a peace and security summit in Gabon. The two day summit was aimed at sharpening Africa's response to its most persistent conflicts. As the continent marks Africa day today,  63 years since the formation of the Organisation of African Unity (OAU) in 1963, the predecessor of the African Union - the continent continues to face ongoing conflicts and wars in the west and the Sahel regions. In Sudan the escalating civil war has led to a catastrophic humanitarian crisis. Peter Ndoro spoke to Gabon's High Commissioner to South Africa, HE Rod Rembendamya

The African Union Commission has held a peace and security summit in Gabon. The two day summit was aimed at sharpening Africa's response to its most persistent conflicts. As the continent marks Africa day today, &nbsp;63 years since the formation of the Organisation of African Unity (OAU) in 1963, the predecessor of the African Union - the continent continues to face ongoing conflicts and wars in the west and the Sahel regions. In Sudan the escalating civil war has led to a catastrophic humanitarian crisis. Peter Ndoro spoke to Gabon's High Commissioner to South Africa, HE Rod Rembendamya

Gabon's High Commissioner to South Africa rubbishes reports of snub of South Africa's Africa Day celebrations

As we continue the conversation on the meaning of Africa Day, we turn our attention to the continent's young people. Africa today is home to one of the world's youngest populations, with millions of young people shaping conversations around innovation, governance, entrepreneurship, culture, education, and social change. For many young Africans, Africa Day is not only a celebration of the continent's liberation history and unity, but also an opportunity to reflect on the challenges and possibilities facing a new generation. To help us explore what Africa Day 2026 means to young Africans, we are joined by Public Policy Fellow At the Centre For Policy Analysis in Uganda, Akello Peace Merisha. Through her work in public policy and youth engagement, she brings valuable insight into how young Africans are viewing the continent's future and their role in shaping it.

As we continue the conversation on the meaning of Africa Day, we turn our attention to the continent's young people. Africa today is home to one of the world's youngest populations, with millions of young people shaping conversations around innovation, governance, entrepreneurship, culture, education, and social change. For many young Africans, Africa Day is not only a celebration of the continent's liberation history and unity, but also an opportunity to reflect on the challenges and possibilities facing a new generation. To help us explore what Africa Day 2026 means to young Africans, we are joined by Public Policy Fellow At the Centre For Policy Analysis in Uganda, Akello Peace Merisha. Through her work in public policy and youth engagement, she brings valuable insight into how young Africans are viewing the continent's future and their role in shaping it.

International Literacy Day

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