Molebatsi Nkotoane

Molebatsi Nkotoane, 32, is a transformative tourism educator and literacy advocate whose work extends far beyond the classroom. Based at Grassland Secondary School in the Free State, he consistently maintains a 100% matric pass rate while nurturing learner growth through mentorship, storytelling and critical thinking. Molebatsi established the school’s first library through collaborative book drives and continues to donate books annually to under-resourced schools. A certified children’s story writer and member of the Literacy Association of South Africa, he champions African languages and reading for meaning. In 2022, he represented the Free State at the Room to Read national writing workshop, crafting culturally rooted stories to inspire young readers. His learners regularly reach provincial and national stages in competitions like the Youth Citizens Action Programme and the Oral History Initiative — guided through his structured “consultation time” and after-school coaching. Molebatsi does teacher training, is a keynote speaker and mentors at the World of Work programme at the Central University of Technology. He envisions a future where every child reads, writes and learns in their home language.

• Bachelor of Education Honours in Information Communication and Technology, University of South Africa – (*in progress)
• Postgraduate Certificate in Education, Central University of Technology
• Bachelor of Education degree, University of South Africa
• National Diploma in Office Management and Technology, Central University of Technology

• 2020 –  established book drives at Grassland Secondary School, leading to the creation of a school library and secured book donations from the Central University of Technology library, Book Dash and local reading clubs
• 2022 – selected as the Free State delegate for the Room to Read writing workshop hosted by the Literacy Association of South Africa and collaborated with story writers from all nine provinces to create African language stories. Awarded a certificate upon completion of the writing course
• 2023 -invited as a keynote speaker at the “World of Work” programme by the Central University of Technology, Free State – addressed final-year BEd students on the historical evolution, trends and future of education

Personally, I admire Dr Gcina Mhlophe, an author, storyteller and founding director of the Gcinamasiko Arts & Heritage Trust. Her works have been translated into many languages, including all official South African languages, Kiswahili, French, German, Spanish, Portuguese, Japanese and even Braille. She has directed her theatre plays in the USA, UK and Greenland, her most widely known and studied theatre text being Have You Seen Zandile?. Her poetry has been reinterpreted into dance and classical music, and seven universities — both in South Africa and internationally — have awarded her honorary doctorates. Her work in the literacy space is commendable, and I admire her because she tells stories of African wisdom and education. I have mentors in my life, and I believe it is important for one to have mentors because they speak into your life and, from time to time, offer guidance in the midst of life’s adversities. I was mentored by Mrs Brigette Lenong, then Reading Development Officer and currently an education lecturer at the Central University of Technology. Since 2016, I have been mentored by Mrs Letshego Rapapali, the current Reading Development Officer at the Central University of Technology. Throughout this mentorship, she has guided me on aspects of my career and life in general.