With more than a decade of involvement in the Rally to Read initiative, Suzuki Auto South Africa once again partnered with the KwaZulu-Natal leg of the programme on 7 February, marking its third consecutive year of support in the region.
Established in 1998, Rally to Read focuses on improving literacy outcomes at under-resourced rural primary schools by providing learners with age-appropriate, high-quality reading material. The programme also places strong emphasis on teacher development, ensuring educators have the skills and confidence needed to help learners form solid reading and writing abilities.
The initiative operates through carefully selected clusters of schools across multiple provinces to maximise long-term success. Each cluster is supported by a dedicated trainer who mentors and guides teachers, while schools receive a range of books for all grade levels, stored in so-called “Classroom Libraries.” This structured support is delivered over a three-year period to help embed sustainable literacy practices within participating schools.
In 2026, the KwaZulu-Natal Rally to Read programme supported 13 schools around Bulwer for the third and final time. Bulwer is a small town approximately two hours from Durban and 35 minutes from Underberg.
Of these schools, Suzuki was tasked with supporting Emacabazini (four teachers and 62 learners) and Mzwendaba (seven teachers and 234 learners) Primary. In 2025, it serviced Nkwezela and Nomgidi Primary, which together comprised 27 teachers and 751 learners.
For the 2026 mission, Suzuki enlisted its popular Jimny 5-door as the primary support vehicle. Designed for challenging terrain, the rugged off-roader features a wide rear door opening for easy loading of books, equipment and other educational supplies, and offers 1,113 litres of cargo space when the rear seats are folded flat. A torque-rich 1.5l petrol engine balances performance with efficiency, supported by an advanced AllGrip Pro four-wheel drive system and low-range transfer case that provide genuine off-road capability.
Joining the Jimny was a Grand Vitara GLX, which added comfort and versatility to the line-up. Features including a dual-sliding panoramic glass sunroof, leather upholstery, wireless charging and a 360° camera ensured a comfortable working environment, while its 1,147-litre cargo capacity allowed additional educational materials to be transported with ease.
The vehicles completed their deliveries during the morning of 7 February, with Suzuki team members meeting school principals and staff, and engaging with the enthusiastic and appreciative learners.
“Rally to Read aligns closely with Suzuki’s commitment to meaningful community upliftment,” says Brendon Carpenter, Brand Marketing Manager of Suzuki Auto South Africa. “By supporting literacy and teacher development at grassroots level, the programme helps lay the foundation for a more inclusive and sustainable future.”
In addition to its involvement in Rally to Read, Suzuki Auto South Africa has also recently become a partner of Dis-Chem Foundation’s Million Comforts Campaign, an initiative aimed at addressing period poverty and keeping learners in school by improving access to essential hygiene products.
The Million Comforts Campaign distributes millions of sanitary pads each year to non-fee-paying schools across South Africa, supported by donations from Dis-Chem customers and a growing network of corporate partners.
Beyond product provision, the initiative is evolving into a broader learner empowerment programme that recognises the impact of hygiene access, health education and personal wellbeing on a learner’s ability to participate fully in school life. Importantly, the campaign also considers the needs of male learners, promoting inclusive education and supportive environments for all.
Suzuki’s participation in this campaign includes providing branded vehicle support and logistical assistance to help ensure donations are collected, transported and delivered efficiently to schools and communities in need.
“The Million Comforts Campaign tackles an often-overlooked challenge that can disrupt a learner’s education,” says Carpenter. “By being involved, we can help remove practical obstacles that keep learners out of the classroom, allowing them to participate with confidence and concentrate on learning during crucial stages of their schooling.”
