The National Library of South Africa (NLSA), in partnership with the Department of Sport, Arts and Culture (DSAC) and the University of Zululand, successfully hosted the 3rd Biennial National Reading Summit from 21 to 23 May 2025 at the Umfolozi Hotel Casino Convention Resort in Richards Bay, KwaZulu-Natal.

The three-day hybrid Summit was a critical platform for stakeholders from the literary and education sectors to participate in a strategic dialogue and collaborative commitments towards improving the culture of reading and writing in South Africa.

The theme for the summit was “Cultivating a Thriving Literary Landscape: 30 Years of Democracy and Beyond”. Authors, publishers, librarians, professors, teachers, and language experts were among the delegates who contributed to the exploration of practical solutions for resolving our country’s literary challenges.

Speaking at the Summit, Ms Nokuthula Musa, Executive Director: Core Programmes at the NLSA emphasised the importance of literacy and confirmed NLSA’s commitment to supporting reading and writing initiatives through collaborations. “Through collaborations with other institutions that seeks to promote the culture of reading, we reaffirm our continued commitment to supporting reading development programmes and expanding access to books and library services across the country.”

Apart from the formal sessions, the Summit hosted exhibitions showcasing local publishing opportunities, reading initiatives, and educational resources. These exhibitions provided attendees with opportunities to network, share ideas, and establish future partnerships aimed at promoting lifelong reading habits among South Africans of all ages.

The 3rd Biennial National Reading Summit highlighted the lasting impact of reading in transforming lives, building knowledge-based communities, and bridging social divides. The Summit concluded with a collective call to action for all sectors to amplify initiatives aimed at fostering a reading nation.