POLOKWANE – Mentz Reading Paradise and Mrs Polokwane 2020, Mapula Legodi, successfully hosted their #67MinutesBookDrive on Saturday, 18 July in the hope of equipping 100 children from Mentz with story books and study material.
Together, the group donated reading and activity books, stationery, teddy bears, sanitary towels, clothes and snacks to the community in celebration of Mandela Day.
Founded by Martha Setsiba in 2019, Mentz Reading Paradise is a literacy initiative aimed at revitalising the culture of reading and writing in rural communities. “Our primary objective is to promote reading for meaning and enjoyment and also book ownership among children from Mentz,” Setsiba said.
She told Review that she was excited about how the event was received as it meant they are getting closer to their dream of having a literate community.
“We operate for free and source out books and other support from our own pockets, Nalibali and the community. I’m super excited and grateful to have partnered with such phenomenal women who believe in education and working towards making reading fashionable,” Setsiba said.
Legodi brought together her fellow 2020 title holders, Modjadji Sebola (first princess) Sibongile Maja (second princess) and Sandra Nkwe (Mrs Photogenic), as well as friends from the industry, Sally Sithole (MTSA mentor) and Bokang Moselenyane (Miss Capricorn District pre-teen second princess), to collect items for donation and join in the day’s activities.
The reigning Mrs Polokwane added that this would not be the last donation they do, saying one should not wait for special days to give back to communities in need. “Try to donate anything, anywhere you can, it’s the thought that counts. A small donation can go a long way,” she said.
