As GWM South Africa celebrates 18 years in South Africa, the company is reaffirming its long-term commitment to the country by supporting literacy through its partnership with READ Educational Trust through the Rally to Read Programme.
South Africa faces a critical reading crisis, with recent assessments showing that 81% of Grade 4 learners cannot read for meaning, limiting educational progression, employment opportunities, and broader socio-economic development. Literacy is increasingly recognised as critical national infrastructure, with long-term implications for economic growth and social equity. The World Literacy Foundation estimates that illiteracy costs South Africa’s economy approximately R199 billion annually, largely due to reduced earning capacity and associated social costs, highlighting the urgent need for targeted interventions.
Building on its global experience in education initiatives, GWM South Africa is localising this approach to tackle literacy gaps in a partnership that will combine teacher support, infrastructure development and community engagement. The partnership will see the company work closely with teachers, parents and communities to improve reading outcomes, empower educators and provide children with the tools to succeed.
“This 18-year milestone is more than a celebration,” said Floyd Ramabulana, GWM SA Head of Marketing. It represents our commitment to South Africa’s future. Investing in literacy is investing in the nation. Every child who learns to read contributes to the country’s long-term growth and social development.”
“Partnerships like this are what we need to scale literacy interventions,” said Brand Pretorius, Rally to Read Founder. “When corporates, communities and schools work together, we create sustainable impact that reaches far beyond the classroom.”
Through Rally to Read, GWM is providing targeted support to under-resourced schools in Tembisa, Midrand and surrounding communities, ensuring interventions go beyond books to include teacher training, learning materials and structured follow-ups to measure real impact.
“Education is not an optional infrastructure,” Ramabulana added. “Public-private partnerships are critical to addressing the literacy challenges facing the country. This initiative forms a key milestone in GWM South Africa’s long-term country plan, pairing business growth with meaningful societal impact. Over the next several years, the company plans to expand its interventions to ensure sustainable outcomes for children and communities alike.”
Impulse
Wendy Luhabe\’s first step into entrepreneurship came in 1991 when she launched Bridging the Gap, a consulting firm that assists young black South Africans entering the working world. In 1993, she launched Women Investment Portfolio Holdings, the first fund to provide capital to women-owned businesses in South Africa. In 2002, she launched Africa\’s first Women-Focused Private Equity Fund. She also published her first book entitled: Defining Moments: Experiences of Black Executives in South Africa\’s Workplace. Luhabe launched her Foundation in 2002, to educate young disadvantaged black women, particularly from rural areas. In 2011, Luhabe was asked by Hillary Clinton to join the International Council on Women\’s Business Leadership (ICWBL). In 2014, she was appointed Member of the Board at The Abraaj Group, a global investment firm. In 2014, she was awarded Woman of Worth from the Jewish Achievers Awards in South Africa. In 2014, she was awarded the Lieutenant of the Victorian Order (LVO) by the British Royal Family. In 2015, she was awarded Lifetime Achievement Award at the Standard Bank Top Women Awards.