Actress, UN Goodwill Ambassador, and human rights activist Nomzamo Mbatha has shared exciting news that’s set to change the lives of many South African students. In a recent interview on the Expresso Show, Nomzamo proudly announced a new project called Beyond Words, a nationwide literacy programme in partnership with the Cotton On Foundation.
“We just announced an incredible partnership with Cotton On Foundation where we are launching the literacy programme called Beyond Words,” she shared during the interview. “We want to find the most amazing schools around the country, we want to refurbish, renovate and fully kit out libraries because we are about reading for meaning.”
Nomzamo stressed how important this mission is. “The statistics speak for itself, and we got the incredible endorsement from the Minister of Basic Education,” she added. “So, when the time comes, please submit your schools. We want to find your impeccable students and we want to give them the best tools, the vocabulary and the language to save their lives.”
She also took to Instagram to celebrate the partnership and reveal just how much support the project is receiving. Nomzamo wrote:
“So many years have led to this moment with @cottononfoundation … a commitment to invest R20 million through the @nomzamo_lighthouse – towards our joint nationwide literacy project ‘BEYOND WORDS.’ Thank you @timjdiamond @acandajaswa for your belief, shared vision and steadfast commitment to changing the lives of young people in SA.”
On the Expresso Show, Nomzamo summed up her passion by saying, “I love doing good and making good famous.”
Her followers and supporters were full of praise for her efforts. Comments of support flooded in on social media, with people saying, “Well done Nomzamo, Nomzamo Lighthouse Foundation team and the @cottononfoundation team! Such a privilege working with all of you on this incredible project,” and “I am beyond honored to work with you on these incredible projects.”
Her very own Nomzamo Lighthouse Foundation also expressed its pride in the collaboration, commenting, “This is indeed BEYOND WORDS! Evidence of creating sustainable impact. We are thrilled to be a vessel of this amazing project!”
This R20 million initiative will help build better futures by giving students across South Africa access to beautiful, well-equipped libraries and the tools they need to grow. With Nomzamo’s passion and the support of Cotton On Foundation, Beyond Words is not just a literacy programme—it’s a movement for change.
