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 (Unisa) – (*in progress)
• Bachelor of Education degree, University of South Africa
• Postgraduate Certificate in Education, Central University of Technology
• 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

• 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 11 official South African languages, Kiswahili, French, German, Spanish, Portuguese, Japanese and even Braille. She has directed theatre plays in the United States, the United Kingdom and Greenland, with her most widely known and studied theatre text being Have You Seen Zandile?. Her poetry has been reinterpreted through dance and classical music. Her contribution to the literacy space is commendable, and her ability to tell stories grounded in African wisdom and education continues to inspire my journey.
• Brigette Lenong, the former reading development officer and now an education lecturer at the Central University of Technology. 
• Letshego Rapapali, the current reading development officer at the same institution, has provided ongoing support in shaping both my career and broader personal development.