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.

The Upside

How Vula Bula Graded Readers help solve SA reading crisis

As South Africa’s wedding season reaches its peak, brides and grooms are embracing individuality like never before. The country’s bridal fashion scene is evolving, moving away from traditional white gowns toward more expressive, personalised designs that reflect each couple’s story. From sustainable fabrics to bold colour palettes and modern silhouettes, this shift is redefining what “bridal elegance” looks like in 2025.
Leading this new wave of creativity is Cape Town–based designer Rose Molteno, whose timeless couture pieces and bespoke gowns celebrate both South African craftsmanship and contemporary global trends. With over a decade of experience in the fashion industry, Rose has dressed countless brides and red-carpet clients, helping them bring their dream looks to life. She joins us as she visits Johannesburg this week to share the latest insights on what’s trending in bridal fashion.

As South Africa&rsquo;s wedding season reaches its peak, brides and grooms are embracing individuality like never before. The country&rsquo;s bridal fashion scene is evolving, moving away from traditional white gowns toward more expressive, personalised designs that reflect each couple&rsquo;s story. From sustainable fabrics to bold colour palettes and modern silhouettes, this shift is redefining what &ldquo;bridal elegance&rdquo; looks like in 2025. Leading this new wave of creativity is Cape Town&ndash;based designer Rose Molteno, whose timeless couture pieces and bespoke gowns celebrate both South African craftsmanship and contemporary global trends. With over a decade of experience in the fashion industry, Rose has dressed countless brides and red-carpet clients, helping them bring their dream looks to life. She joins us as she visits Johannesburg this week to share the latest insights on what&rsquo;s trending in bridal fashion.

Cape Town designer Rose Molteno on the new era of modern romance and sustainable couture

The story of sixteen-year-old Ransford Owusu Ansah has shaken Ghana to its core. The young footballer’s dream of becoming a professional player turned into tragedy after allegations emerged that his coach at the Siano Football Academy repeatedly sexually abused him over several months. His mother says Ransford fell seriously ill and only revealed the abuse when his health began to fail despite her efforts to seek help and justice, her cries went unheard until her son’s death in March this year.
Across social media, the hashtag #JusticeForRansford has united thousands of voices demanding answers and change. From celebrities to human rights advocates, many are calling for stronger oversight in sports academies and for those responsible to face justice. Ghana’s Ministry of Gender and police have confirmed an investigation into the case, the coach has since been suspended but the public remains sceptical. We are joined on the line by Robert Amoafo, Human Rights advocate and Director of Amnesty International Ghana

The story of sixteen-year-old Ransford Owusu Ansah has shaken Ghana to its core. The young footballer&rsquo;s dream of becoming a professional player turned into tragedy after allegations emerged that his coach at the Siano Football Academy repeatedly sexually abused him over several months. His mother says Ransford fell seriously ill and only revealed the abuse when his health began to fail despite her efforts to seek help and justice, her cries went unheard until her son&rsquo;s death in March this year. Across social media, the hashtag #JusticeForRansford has united thousands of voices demanding answers and change. From celebrities to human rights advocates, many are calling for stronger oversight in sports academies and for those responsible to face justice. Ghana&rsquo;s Ministry of Gender and police have confirmed an investigation into the case, the coach has since been suspended but the public remains sceptical. We are joined on the line by Robert Amoafo, Human Rights advocate and Director of Amnesty International Ghana

How the death of Ransford Owusu Ansah exposed gaps in child protection in Ghana’s sports academies

Artificial intelligence is changing how people search for and discover brands online. Traditional search engine rankings are no longer enough as consumers increasingly rely on AI-generated answers from platforms like ChatGPT, Perplexity, and Google Gemini. According to Leanne Levine, Local Digital Lead at Sauce Advertising, this new era of Generative Engine Optimisation, will determine which businesses show up in these AI-driven results
For South African brands, especially those with multiple locations, this shift presents both challenge and opportunity. Visibility now depends on trust signals, structured data and consistent local information rather than just keywords. She joins us on the line

Artificial intelligence is changing how people search for and discover brands online. Traditional search engine rankings are no longer enough as consumers increasingly rely on AI-generated answers from platforms like ChatGPT, Perplexity, and Google Gemini. According to Leanne Levine, Local Digital Lead at Sauce Advertising, this new era of Generative Engine Optimisation, will determine which businesses show up in these AI-driven results For South African brands, especially those with multiple locations, this shift presents both challenge and opportunity. Visibility now depends on trust signals, structured data and consistent local information rather than just keywords. She joins us on the line

How Vula Bula Graded Readers help solve SA reading crisis

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