Celebrities
Nomzamo Mbatha opens library in Cape Town
Nomzamo Mbatha is making a lasting impact beyond the screen after launching a brand-new library for children in Cape Town.
Through her foundation, Nomzamo Lighthouse Foundation, and in partnership with Cotton On Foundation and The Bookery, the actress helped bring the Beyond Words Library to life at Masivuke Primary School in Philippi.
The initiative is part of a broader mission to tackle illiteracy and expand access to books for children in underserved communities.
Sharing her excitement online, Mbatha expressed heartfelt appreciation to her partners, saying: “MY WELL OF GRATITUDE does not run dry! THANK YOU @cottononfoundation for trusting @nomzamo_lighthouse in this partnership and massive investment to bring the VERY FIRST Beyond Words library to life.”
Behind the scenes, the journey to completion was far from smooth. Mbatha revealed that some construction companies were hesitant to take on the project, viewing Philippi as “dangerous, risky, tough.”
Despite these setbacks, the team remained committed to delivering a space that would serve and inspire the local community.
The finished library offers more than just shelves of books; designed as a safe and engaging environment, it features cosy reading corners and creative elements like a reading tree, giving children a space where learning feels exciting and accessible.
Mbatha also reflected on her personal connection to the cause, explaining how reading shaped her own path and allowed her to see beyond her upbringing in KwaMashu, ultimately influencing her journey and career.
The initiative speaks directly to South Africa’s ongoing literacy challenges.
Research by the University of Pretoria has found that a large percentage of Grade 4 learners struggle to read for meaning, a reality often linked to limited access to books in disadvantaged communities.
For Mbatha, this underscores a simple truth: access to reading material is not a privilege, but a necessity.
To further support learners, the library also includes a digital literacy component, helping equip children with essential skills for the modern world and ensuring the space remains relevant beyond traditional reading.
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