Suzuki South Africa once again partnered with the KwaZulu-Natal leg of the Rally to Read programme marking its third consecutive year of support in the region since being apart of the initiative for more than a decade now.
Established in 1998, Rally to Read focuses on improving literacy outcomes at under-resourced rural primary schools by providing learners with age-appropriate, high-quality reading material. The programme also places strong emphasis on teacher development, ensuring educators have the skills and confidence needed to help learners form solid reading and writing abilities.
The initiative operates through carefully selected clusters of schools across multiple provinces to maximise long-term success. Each cluster is supported by a dedicated trainer who mentors and guides teachers, while schools receive a range of books for all grade levels, stored in so-called “Classroom Libraries.” This structured support is delivered over a three-year period to help embed sustainable literacy practices within participating schools.
In 2026, the KwaZulu-Natal Rally to Read programme supported 13 schools around the Bulwer area for the third and final time. Of the chosen schools, Suzuki was tasked with supporting four teachers and 62 learners from Emacabazini and seven teachers and 234 learners Primary from Mzwendaba. In 2025, it serviced Nkwezela and Nomgidi Primary, which together comprised 27 teachers and 751 learners.
This time around Suzuki enlisted the Jimny 5-door and Grand Vitara GLX as the primary support vehicles to transport books, equipment and other educational supplies to the schools in need. The vehicles completed their deliveries during the morning of 7 February, with Suzuki team members meeting school principals and staff, and engaging with the enthusiastic and appreciative learners.
“Rally to Read aligns closely with Suzuki’s commitment to meaningful community upliftment,” says Brendon Carpenter, Brand Marketing Manager of Suzuki Auto South Africa. “By supporting literacy and teacher development at grassroots level, the programme helps lay the foundation for a more inclusive and sustainable future.”
Beyond participating in this initiative, Suzuki has also recently partnered up with the Dis-Chem Foundation’s Million Comforts Campaign, an initiative aimed at addressing period poverty and keeping learners in school by improving access to essential hygiene products. “The Million Comforts Campaign tackles an often-overlooked challenge that can disrupt a learner’s education,” says Carpenter. “By being involved, we can help remove practical obstacles that keep learners out of the classroom, allowing them to participate with confidence and concentrate on learning during crucial stages of their schooling.”