Isuzu Motors South Africa (IMSAf) is proud to continue its partnership with Rally to Read, launching the programme for a second consecutive year in primary schools across Nelson Mandela Bay. This initiative reaffirms IMSAf’s long-term commitment to improving the quality of education by raising literacy levels and nurturing a lifelong love for reading among children.
” The Rally to Read initiative has enabled us to realise our aspiration of positive social impact and investing in meaningful and sustainable education outcomes in communities,” says Celestin Ndhlovu, Vice President, Planning, Marketing and Corporate Affairs. “The transformation we’re witnessing in these schools affirms the power of collaboration, community, and the consistent investment in youth development.”
Since its inception in 2024, IMSAf has positively impacted over 600 learners, with an ambitious goal of reaching 4,000 by 2030. Through its partnership with the Rally to Read initiative, three Gqeberha-based primary schools — Khulile Primary in Motherwell, Kaysar Ngxwana Primary in KwaZakhele, and St Albans Primary in St Albans — were equipped with library boxes, classroom resources, and digital learning tools tailored for Foundation Phase learners (Grades R–3). The initiative also empowers educators through comprehensive literacy training and ongoing support, laying a strong foundation for long-term educational success.
The Rally to Read initiative in partnership with Isuzu Motors South Africa has made notable impact not only on learners but also on Teachers. Teachers have been equipped with practical literacy strategies while at the same time providing them with skills to provide additional support to learners requiring added literacy guidance t. The Management Teams of the Primary Schools have taken proactive steps to embed mechanisms that ensure the sustainability of the programme’s legacy, enabling its impact to extend well beyond the initial three-year duration.
“Seeing the impact of this programme unfold over time reminds us why we do what we do,” says Sibhekaphi Sibanda, Project Manager at READ Educational Trust. “Together with ISUZU, we are not just donating books—we are building the capacity of schools, teachers, and families to support literacy development that will change lives.”
Building on this success, the 2025 programme shifts its focus to Intermediate and Senior Phase learners (Grades 4–7), with a renewed emphasis on teacher development, learner support, and the integration of digital technologies into everyday classroom learning.
As part of this year’s initiative, Teachers will receive added training focused on digital literacy, enabling them to integrate technology into their teaching and use of artificial intelligence to co-create local stories. Parents have also been invited to play an active role in supporting their children’s education at home.
“We have seen significant progress amongst our learners since the inception of the programme. They are now able to read with confidence and understanding,” says Linda Nonxuba, Principal at Khulile Primary School. “The additional training and support offered to our staff has also empowered them in their day-to-day teaching activities. We look forward to the expansion of the programme to our higher grades this year.”
For media queries and interview requests please contact:
Asanda Fongqo
Contact details: +27 64 863 2644 | asanda.fongqo@isuzu.co.za
Nandi Matomela
Phone: +27 11 806 4815 | nandi.matomela@isuzu.co.za
About Isuzu Motors South Africa
Isuzu Motors South Africa is a wholly owned subsidiary of Isuzu Motors Limited of Japan. ISUZU has had a presence in South Africa since 1964, when the first commercial vehicles entered the market, which was soon followed by the introduction of light commercial vehicles in 1972. The brand’s popularity grew and resulted in local production of light commercial vehicles in 1978.
Isuzu South Africa is a committed corporate citizen, dedicated to driving sustainable development and supporting the communities where it operates. ISUZU continues to champion meaningful change while fostering a culture of care and responsibility.
Today, ISUZU remains one of South Africa’s leading commercial vehicle brands and has become renowned for its durability and reliability. For more information on ISUZU products visit www.isuzu.co.za
