Reading is the foundation of all learning, so if children can’t read with understanding, they will struggle throughout their schooling and be less likely to pursue tertiary education, greatly increasing their risk of being trapped in poverty and unemployment.

The Vula Bula graded readers in South Africa (SA), published by the Molteno Institute for Language and Literacy, are effective in teaching children to learn to read proficiently in African languages.

Available for learners in Grades 1 to 3, these readers offer a range of entertaining stories for children in isiXhosa, isiZulu, isiNdebele, Sesotho, Sepedi, Setswana, Siswati, Xitsonga and Tshivenda.

We spoke to Jenny Katz, the Research and Development Manager of the Molteno Institute for Language and Literacy about how these readers improve children's reading.

Reading is the foundation of all learning, so if children can’t read with understanding, they will struggle throughout their schooling and be less likely to pursue tertiary education, greatly increasing their risk of being trapped in poverty and unemployment.
The Vula Bula graded readers in South Africa (SA), published by the Molteno Institute for Language and Literacy, are effective in teaching children to learn to read proficiently in African languages.
Available for learners in Grades 1 to 3, these readers offer a range of entertaining stories for children in isiXhosa, isiZulu, isiNdebele, Sesotho, Sepedi, Setswana, Siswati, Xitsonga and Tshivenda.
We spoke to Jenny Katz, the Research and Development Manager of the Molteno Institute for Language and Literacy about how these readers improve children's reading.

Serious and topical issues on continent, breaking stories.

Serious and topical issues on continent, breaking stories.

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How Vula Bula Graded Readers help solve SA reading crisis

The Collen Mashawana Foundation is back with its Christmas Support Programme for the Elderly, now in its second with the aims to uplift vulnerable senior citizens in Venda by providing essential support during the festive season. Following the success of the inaugural event in 2023, which aided over 1,500 elderly individuals, this year’s programme is doubling its impact on the 15th of December, at the Thohoyandou Stadium, the event will distribute food hampers to 3,000 elderly beneficiaries ensuring they have adequate sustenance throughout the holidays while fostering a sense of community and connection. 

Dr. Collen Mashawana, founder of the foundation, pledged to build a new home for 80-year-old Joseph Vele, who had been living in a dilapidated structure, on the 15th of December, Joseph will receive the keys to his fully furnished home, a gesture symbolizing dignity and hope. We are joined on the line by Mpilo Khodi, Ambassador and Spokesperson of the foundation The Collen Mashawana Foundation

The Collen Mashawana Foundation is back with its Christmas Support Programme for the Elderly, now in its second with the aims to uplift vulnerable senior citizens in Venda by providing essential support during the festive season. Following the success of the inaugural event in 2023, which aided over 1,500 elderly individuals, this year&rsquo;s programme is doubling its impact on the 15th of December, at the Thohoyandou Stadium, the event will distribute food hampers to 3,000 elderly beneficiaries ensuring they have adequate sustenance throughout the holidays while fostering a sense of community and connection.&nbsp;
Dr. Collen Mashawana, founder of the foundation, pledged to build a new home for 80-year-old Joseph Vele, who had been living in a dilapidated structure, on the 15th of December, Joseph will receive the keys to his fully furnished home, a gesture symbolizing dignity and hope. We are joined on the line by Mpilo Khodi, Ambassador and Spokesperson of the foundation The Collen Mashawana Foundation

The Collen Mashawana Foundation prioritises the elderly with its Christmas Support Programme

A ground-breaking study from Stellenbosch University (SU) has revealed promising advancements in male contraception, with a focus on a safer, reversible and non-hormonal solution. Kyla Raoult, who recently earned her master’s degree in Polymer Science from SU, has developed an innovative on-demand hydrogel contraceptive; the hydrogel, water-absorbing material, forms a semi-permeable barrier within the vas deferens, effectively blocking sperm while allowing seminal fluid to pass.

Unlike traditional vasectomy procedures, this method is reversible; the gel can be dissolved and flushed out using a simple solution, restoring fertility without permanent alterations. Raoult’s work addresses a significant gap in male contraceptive options, which are currently limited to condoms, vasectomies, and experimental hormone-based methods, each with limitations or side effects

A ground-breaking study from Stellenbosch University (SU) has revealed promising advancements in male contraception, with a focus on a safer, reversible and non-hormonal solution. Kyla Raoult, who recently earned her master&rsquo;s degree in Polymer Science from SU, has developed an innovative on-demand hydrogel contraceptive; the hydrogel, water-absorbing material, forms a semi-permeable barrier within the vas deferens, effectively blocking sperm while allowing seminal fluid to pass.
Unlike traditional vasectomy procedures, this method is reversible; the gel can be dissolved and flushed out using a simple solution, restoring fertility without permanent alterations. Raoult&rsquo;s work addresses a significant gap in male contraceptive options, which are currently limited to condoms, vasectomies, and experimental hormone-based methods, each with limitations or side effects

Promising advancements on a reversible and non-hormonal male contraceptive

Durban-based comedian Natashia Portrag is set to bring laughter and festive cheer to the Wild Coast Sun with her "Bash with Tash" Christmas Comedy Special. Scheduled for December 24 and 25, 2024, in the Tropical Nites Theatre, the show promises a perfect blend of humour, holiday spirit, and audience engagement. Known for her viral social media series “Have a Bash with Tash”, Portrag draws on relatable, everyday experiences to craft her comedic magic, complete with quirky characters like the beloved "Langara Queen."

Beyond comedy, she has built a multifaceted brand, recently expanding into the beauty industry with her Bash with Tash Beauty Empire. Committed to empowering women and fostering a sense of community, Portrag is also working on a book and a movie script inspired by her life. Her upcoming holiday shows promise not only laughter but an evening of connection and celebration for audiences.

Durban-based comedian Natashia Portrag is set to bring laughter and festive cheer to the Wild Coast Sun with her "Bash with Tash" Christmas Comedy Special. Scheduled for December 24 and 25, 2024, in the Tropical Nites Theatre, the show promises a perfect blend of humour, holiday spirit, and audience engagement. Known for her viral social media series &ldquo;Have a Bash with Tash&rdquo;, Portrag draws on relatable, everyday experiences to craft her comedic magic, complete with quirky characters like the beloved "Langara Queen."
Beyond comedy, she has built a multifaceted brand, recently expanding into the beauty industry with her Bash with Tash Beauty Empire. Committed to empowering women and fostering a sense of community, Portrag is also working on a book and a movie script inspired by her life. Her upcoming holiday shows promise not only laughter but an evening of connection and celebration for audiences.

How Vula Bula Graded Readers help solve SA reading crisis

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