The Rally to Read Project Team coordinates the planning, administration and implementation support required to deliver literacy projects in schools across South Africa. Working closely with READ trainers, schools, donors and partners, the team helps ensure that Rally to Read’s work is implemented effectively, responsibly and with a clear focus on improving literacy outcomes for learners in under-resourced communities.
Sibhekaphi brings a strong background in education, social development, counselling and monitoring and evaluation to her role as Project Manager for Rally to Read. Her experience enables her to support both the educational and community-development aspects of the programme, ensuring that project implementation remains focused on strengthening literacy, empowering teachers and creating meaningful impact in schools.
Faith supports Rally to Read through project coordination, stakeholder engagement and the day-to-day organisation of key project activities. With a background in Business Management and educational support, including classroom-based experience as an Education Assistant, she brings practical insight into the needs of teachers and learners and helps ensure that project activities are implemented effectively.
Veruschka brings 14 years of project coordination experience to Rally to Read, with skills in administration, finance, leadership and communication. She supports the smooth running of project processes, helping to ensure that activities are well organised, properly documented and effectively coordinated across the Rally to Read programme.
Trainers deliver school-based training, classroom support, mentoring and coaching for teachers – helping them implement effective literacy and language teaching methods. Trainers also support school management, helping principals and school leadership teams to embed, manage and sustain effective literacy practices.
The Vital Role of Our Support Committee Volunteers
The success of our Rally is largely attributed to the dedicated members of our Support Committee. These volunteers bring a diverse range of skills and expertise, each contributing uniquely to the event’s smooth operation and overall success. Their commitment and hard work are invaluable, ensuring that every aspect of the Rally runs seamlessly. We are deeply grateful for their contributions and the positive impact they have on our community.
Pam has been part of Rally to Read since the very beginning. In 1997, while working as McCarthy’s CSI Manager, she helped shape the original Rally to Read concept and supported the very first Rally in KwaZulu-Natal. She played a key role in helping the programme grow across South Africa. Since 2005, Pam has continued to support the Rally as a volunteer. She has been part of the Support Committee since its formation and now serves as its Co-ordinator, helping the Rally team continue spreading literacy and a love of reading to children across the country.
Mitzi has worked alongside Patrick in supporting Rally to Read for more than two decades. Her contribution goes far beyond financial support — she has an exceptional ability to mobilise resources and practical assistance for the Rally. One standout example is her role in arranging free transport services that, for several years, moved Rally materials from Johannesburg to Rally sites across the country. Her hands-on support has helped the Rally maximise its reach and impact.
Patrick has supported Rally to Read for over 25 years. His involvement began in 2000 when he proposed hosting a Rally in the Free State through his company at the time, United Bulk. This led to a long-standing partnership, with United Bulk becoming a major supporter of the Rally. Patrick continues to actively champion Rally to Read and offers sound guidance to the Support Committee. Through Inkon Labels, he also ensures that Rally sponsors and READ are recognised through the printing of labels used for the classroom libraries nationwide.
David represents the Financial Mail as Rally to Read’s official communications partner — a role the publication has proudly fulfilled for 27 years. His involvement dates back to 1997, when he and then-editor Peter Bruce committed the Financial Mail to champion literacy after discussions with Brand Pretorius. David has remained a passionate advocate for Rally to Read and has personally attended many Rallies over the years.
Rosalind has been involved with Rally to Read for 27 years, both as a sponsor and as a Support Committee member. She was one of the very first individual sponsors of the KwaZulu-Natal Rally and has remained committed ever since. Her presence on the Support Committee ensures that individual sponsors are well represented and valued as an essential part of the Rally to Read community.
Jonsson Workwear has partnered with Rally to Read for more than 20 years. As Leader of the Jonsson Foundation at Jonsson Workwear, Toni plays a key role in supporting Rally to Read as one of the Foundation’s flagship initiatives. With a background in marketing and a deep commitment to impact-driven work, Toni brings both professional insight and personal passion to the Support Committee.
Brian is a former teacher who has been involved with Rally to Read since 1999. Over the years, he managed and implemented Rally projects in the Western Cape, overseeing fundraising, planning, and delivery, as well as working closely with donors and education authorities. Since 2025 Brian joined the Rally Support Committee and continues to support the Rally as a fundraiser, mentor, and trainer.
Iris became involved with Rally to Read in 2005 when she took on the role of CSI Manager at McCarthy Ltd. She was responsible for organising the Rally programme nationally — from selecting schools and regions, to raising funding and coordinating Rally weekends. With nearly 20 years of hands-on involvement, Iris brings deep experience and institutional memory to the Support Committee, where her guidance and commitment remain invaluable.
At age 16, Taban escaped Sudan when his father died in the civil war and spent two years on the streets of Eritrea. After being rejected by an uncle in Kenya, he continued south, eventually reaching SA. With the help of charities, he re-started his education, becoming a doctor and then a pulmonologist. His story is told in his autobiography, The Boy Who Never Gave Up. Last year, Taban was named one of the 100 most influential Africans by New African magazine.