Young Leaders: MEC inculcates reading 

Young people in lead government positions is still a rare experience in this country. It is gladdening when the chosen ones occupy these positions and do the most. 

Today, we would like to give KwaZulu’s MEC for Sports, Arts and Culture her flowers. But first, here’s what you need to know about Amanda Bani-Mapena. 

The 37-year-old is a Bachelor of Technology in Accounting graduate. She also holds an Honors degree in Leadership Development. Her alma maters are the Durban University of Technology and Stellenbosch Business School. Currently, she is pursuing a degree in Responsible Leadership through the University of Pretoria. 

Mapena’s political career spans just over 20 years. Drawing inspiration from her late brother, she joined politics in her early adulthood. She is sister to late Sicelo Bani – a political and an ex-exiled activist. 

Shine on, Mapena

What drew us towards Mapena is her evident love for literature. Her continued efforts to inculcate the culture of reading and writing among youth. 

Last week, she was part of a literature exhibition in Ncome; a small town in KwaZulu. 

Addressing the crowd at this gathering, she said, ” We are being driven by one thing; to preserve our literature and to promote the work of local writers especially those who write in vernacular.” 

Today she is set to visit Kranskop where she will be opening a library. 

This library opening coincided with the celebration of World Read Aloud Day. This day is to highlight the importance of reading aloud to children. 

Bani-Mapena went reiterated the importance of empowering youth through reading and writing. 

“In this process we have met amazing children whose minds are already shaped and geared towards literature. Being able to read and write has been the greatest feat of civilisations for thousands of years,” she added. 

Acknowledging value in activities like these is important. Especially in a dilapidating country like ours. 

Like Kofi Annan once said, ‘literacy is a bridge from misery to hope.”  Maybe literacy is the bridge to transport next generations to a better South Africa.  One more bearable than the dark one we’re in. 

World Read Aloud Day is an annually celebrated on the first Wednesday in February.