Lerato Mailoane
Gauteng Education MEC Matome Chiloane unveiled the Maggy Makhudu Reading Room at the Thabisong Educare Centre in Alexandra to celebrate World Book Day. 
The room, named in honour of 93-year-old literacy pioneer Makhudu, founder of Thabisong and a lifelong champion of reading and Early Childhood Development (ECD), will significantly help address the township's literature shortage by providing a dedicated space for reading and learning.
Speaking at the unveiling of the reading room, the MEC said the success stories that have emerged from Thabisong Educare Centre, such as the achievements of Deputy President Paul Mashatile and South African football administrator and businessman Irvin Khoza, are a testament to the transformative power of early childhood education.
MEC Chiloane said at the heart of Gauteng's vision for education is a deep belief in the power of literacy to transform lives. 
"As we roll out the National Reading Improvement Plan and universalise ECD across the province, we are reminded: Books build futures. Literacy creates leaders. We're giving our children the wings to soar beyond their circumstances."
World Book Day was established in 1995 by the United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), a specialised agency of the United Nations, with the aim of promoting world peace and security through international cooperation in education, the arts, sciences, and culture.
The day aims to recognise the power of books as a bridge between generations and across cultures. This year, the day was celebrated under the theme: Today, a reader, tomorrow, a leader.
The MEC said the shift for ECD from the Department of Social Development to Basic Education represents more than an administrative change. he said it symbolises the government's recognition that ECDs are the foundation of the entire education system and its commitment to prioritising early childhood development.
"We have long neglected the critical importance of early childhood development, and government is working hard to address this."
He said the universalisation of ECD requires the government, educators, parents, and communities to work in harmony towards a shared vision of quality early education for all children.
Our national reading improvement plan is quite ambitious but is essential.
"We know that a child who cannot read with understanding by age 10 is likely to remain functionally illiterate throughout their lives. This is why we are intensifying our efforts to ensure that every child in Gauteng develops strong literacy skills from the earliest age possible."
Chiloane said the government's approach integrates traditional reading methods with modern technology.
He further called on all educators to improve their skills to help fight illiteracy, which remains a key part of improving education and reducing inequality. 
"As we work to reshape and universalise ECD across Gauteng, we remain committed to building a future where every child reads, learns, and leads."
World Book Day also serves as a reminder of the importance of making reading accessible to everyone.