The Tween Club

When we talk about literacy, we often focus on  whether children can read, but an equally important  question is: what are they reading, and in which  language? For many young learners, the early years of schooling  are where the foundation for their entire educational  journey is laid. Being able to learn to read and  understand concepts in a language that they know  and are comfortable with can make a significant  difference. Yet, for years, there has been a shortage of quality  reading materials in South Africa's African languages. The Ulwazi Lwethu Project is responding to that gap.  Through a collaboration between the Zenex  Foundation and four literacy organisations, more than  1,400 African-language readers and teacher support  materials have been developed for Foundation Phase  learners in Grades 1 to 3. The resources are aligned with the school curriculum,  vetted by the Department of Basic Education, and are  available as free Open Education Resources in all  nine official African languages of South Africa.

What does a child need from a parent to feel safe enough to talk? How does the way we discipline, communicate, and listen affect how children see and relate to their parents? And what do children wish their parents understood about them? We’re continuing this important conversation by giving young people a chance to speak honestly about the parent-child relationship, what works, what doesn’t, and what they need from the adults raising them. Today, Owethu Landingwe joins us as a guest. 

Today, technology is changing the way we learn, but the bigger question is, are we using it to make education more inclusive? From tools that help learners read and understand mathematics, to virtual laboratory simulations that bring practical learning into classrooms where resources may be limited, digital technology can help accommodate different learning needs and learning styles. So, what does inclusive digital pedagogy look like, and how can we use technology to ensure that no learner is left behind? Today, we unpack the role of digital tools in creating more accessible and inclusive learning experiences.

Motherhood is beautiful, but let’s be honest, it can also be exhausting. Mothers spend so much time  caring for everyone else that sometimes they forget to care for themselves. Today we’re talking about Mother’s Day Off, an initiative creating a space for mothers to pause,  recharge, reconnect with themselves and build a community of support. The event also shines a light on Autism and Down syndrome, promoting awareness, acceptance and support for mothers raising children with special needs.

Gender-based violence and femicide continue to  affect families and communities across South Africa,  making awareness, education and collective action  more important than ever. On Saturday, 15 August,  the Uyinene Mrwetyana Foundation will host its  annual GBVF Awareness Walk at Beacon Bay  Country Club in East London. This year's event, held  under the theme "From Awareness to Action: Building  Communities That Protect", will also feature Miss  Universe 2019, Zozibini Tunzi, who will deliver the  keynote address. 

In recent years, we’ve seen a growing trend, especially among young people, of what are being called “fashion braces” or aesthetic braces. These are often bought online and fitted in salons or informal settings, more for the look than for any medical need. But behind the trend, there are serious questions being raised about safety, hygiene, and long-term oral health. Dr Tando Nombakuse, specialist orthodontist got into it with Ntombozuko Balintulo.

 It is World Autism Awareness Month, and  today we’re having a very important conversation  aimed at helping parents, caregivers, families, and  communities better understand autism, the spectrum,  and how to support autistic children with more  compassion and confidence.   Joining us is Antoinette Bruce-Alexander, an autism  advocate and educator, and the co-founder of Autism  Sinethemba in East London, an early intervention  centre and school that supports autistic children and  their families. She also works with Autism South Africa  and has spent years helping raise awareness and  guiding families through the realities of autism. Her work is also informed by her own lived experience as  a parent to an autistic child.

In conversation with a 9-year-old Anophawu Tshisani who began tutoring his peers, and in the process of launching a Homework Club to assist the disadvantaged children. 

In conversation with Ms Mondekazi Ntshele - a Human Rights Lawyer, to celebrate Human Rights Day. This is celebrated annually on the 21st of March in South Africa to commemorate the 1960 Sharpeville Massacre, where 69 people were killed during a peaceful protest against apartheid pass laws. It is a national public holiday dedicated to honoring those who fought for liberation, reinforcing commitment to the democratic Constitution, and ensuring equality, dignity, and freedom.  Happy Human Rights Day!

In conversation with a Dietitian, Helene Venter and she unpacks eating disorders in teens and pre-teens.

From 9-15 February 2026, the country observes National Epilepsy Week, a time dedicated to reflecting on the challenges faced by those with epilepsy and recommitting to a future of better care and genuine inclusion. This is a conversation with Dr. Fikile Ngcingwana, a Paediatric Neurologist who helped us raise awareness on epilepsy.   

As per the 2026 Health Awareness Calendar (Department of Health), 3-7 February is set aside as STIs/ Condom Week. In South Africa, STIs remain a big problem. Join this conversation with Sr. Lona Siwani about STIs/ Condom awareness. 

In conversation with Anesipho Kwasa Dyosi who wrote a children's novel which encourages them to speak out. 

Happy New Year! As we welcome 2026 we're in conversation with Lizile Sentiwe about the New Year's Resolutions. Some people draw vision boards, others use journals to record things they are planning to do enyakeni. We're looking at that.   

In conversation with Inga Magabela about the annual global campaign from 25 November to 10 December highlighting the need to end violence against women and girls. #NoToGBV  

Looking at the prevalence of teens experimenting on drugs and alcohol - the causes/ triggers, the effects/ consequences, and ways of preventing them from getting into substances. 

Examination season is a stressful season. On this conversation with Mrs Madolo we discuss managing exams stress – how to identify the triggers of stress during the exams season and how to manage them effectively.

Happy World Radiography Day! This is a global healthcare awareness event observed on the 8th of November every year. Listen to our conversation with Philma Oosthuizen, a Radiographer - as we celebrate this day to increase public awareness. Radiographers, we see you! 

The Government of South Africa declared the first Saturday of November as the National Children's Day. Join our conversation as we commemorate this day with Prof. Eleanor Hendricks, a Social Worker. Happy National Children's Day!

In conversation with Inga Magabela about stress on teenagers - how they know that they are stressed and their ways of dealing with it. 

Talking to Othalive Dumezweni about the importance of being able to communicate especially from a young age.

To understand how teenagers deal with cyber addiction.

In conversation with Nicole, a teenage girl, to see how trends affect teenagers and whether they are able to resist bad trends or not.

Shaping the person that you are - In conversation with Sanelisiwe Mtiki about how modeling has shaped the person that she is, and how going after what you believe in can help you grow.

 In conversation with Asemahle about the work that she does in advocating for change and women's empowerment.

In honour of Women’s Month, we invite young girls to share their thoughts on the remarkable women who inspire them. Here’s what Unakho Mabulu has to say about the incredible women who have shaped her life.

In conversation with Likhanyile Mdyogolo who was recently selected as the Eastern Cape province representative for the under 15 Rugby about finding balance between school and sport.

Looking at the importance of setting goals for teenagers, and the positive impact that has on their lives and future. – Lisakhanya Nzala

Commemorated youth day from a teenager’s point of view, to hear what it means to them and how it can be celebrated. – Likhona Mgangele.

Took time to raise awareness of the rights of children as articulated in the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa and Children's Act (Act No. 38 of 2005).