The Durban University of Technology (DUT) Community Engagement hosted a successful Bookathon Competition at Intumbane Primary School in Bergville on 25 November 2024. The event which forms part of the Bergville Literacy Programme and the Bergville Book Club, saw young learners from four primary schools—Bambanani, Intumbane, Sbavana, and Vulamehlo competing in five categories: poetry writing, book review, short story writing, skits, and debate. These categories were inspired by books selected earlier in the year for the book club.
The event was officially welcomed by Mr SC Mazibuko, Principal of Intumbane Primary, who expressed his excitement about the day. “We are here to celebrate the work done by our learners with the help of their educators. I hope we all enjoy this day,” he said. The opening remarks came from Ms T Zuma, Principal of Bambanani Primary School, who began the ceremony with a prayer and words of encouragement for the learners.
The competition commenced with creative categories for Grades 5 and 6, including short stories, poetry, book reviews, and skits, judged by Ms Hlengekile Lubanyana, Lecturer at DUT’s Chemistry Department, Ms Nthatuwa Leeke from the DUT Writing Centre, and Mr Lungelo Khumalo, a third-year language practice student from the Faculty of Management Sciences at DUT. The Grade 7 learners then participated in the debate, which was judged by Mr Mukelani Radebe, Technician at DUT’s School of Education, Mr Aphelele Makhaza, third-year ICT: Business Analysis student from the Faculty of Accounting and Informatics, and Ms Sanelisiwe Makabate, a DUT masters graduate from the Faculty of Health Sciences and also an educator at Leondale High School.
Ms Zodwa Nzuza, District Subject Advisor for School Libraries in Bergville, expressed her gratitude to DUT for organising the event and supporting the schools. She also encouraged educators to inspire more boys to join the book club, as most of the participants were girls.
Ms Sarah Khan, Team Leader, DUT Library Community Outreach Team, shared her message of support to the Bookathon: “The success of the Bergville Bookathon 2024 is a testament to the power of community and collaboration,” she said. “I am deeply grateful to Ms Xulu for her exceptional leadership, the volunteers for their dedication, and the staff and learners of Intumbane Primary School for providing such an inspiring environment. Together, we have created a transformative experience for the youth, and we are excited to continue this impactful partnership in the future.”
Thameka Khumalo, a Grade 5 learner from Bambanani Primary, who was named the best overall learner in the competition, expressed her joy. “I practiced hard for this day. I can’t believe I won,” she said. Zandile Ndaba, a Grade 5 learner from Vulamehlo Primary, also shared her excitement after winning bronze in her category. “The tears I was crying were from the shock and joy I felt. I can’t wait to show my mom the medal I won,” she said.
The event concluded with an awards ceremony for the top three in each category, with prizes including trophies, medals, stationery packs, uniform vouchers, and school shoes. The schools were also given first aid kits as a token of appreciation. The overall winning school received a laptop and a trophy.
Gratitude goes to the sponsors, the KZN Oils and IQRAA Trust. Also, to the programme partners, the Department of Education Bergville CMC and Ikusasalentsha.
Congratulations went out to Bambanani Primary School for winning the Bookathon 2024. The DUT’s Community Engagement extended its heartfelt congratulations to all the learners who had participated and showcased their incredible talent, saying all were winners.
Pictured: The winning Bambanani Primary School learners with their principal and educators.
Phumeza Msongelwa
