National Literary Games:
South Africa’s First Competitive Literacy Sport
Designed for learners across South Africa, the games bring together the excitement of sports and the power of literacy in one dynamic platform. The National Literary Games transform traditional reading, writing, and storytelling into high-energy team-based competitions.
Picture school halls and local venues filled with cheering crowds as young literary athletes compete in word battles, creative storytelling challenges, and high-impact reading competitions. This is literacy education reimagined—where academic skills meet the energy of athletic tournaments, and where every word counts toward becoming a champion.
ABOUT THE PROGRAMME
What Are The National Literary Games?
The National Literary Games is a groundbreaking education innovation that turns reading and writing into an exciting team sport. From foundation phase reading activities to advanced storytelling and vocabulary strategy, learners are challenged through fun, meaningful competition.
These games aim to:
- Promote reading and writing as celebrated life skills
- Improve literacy outcomes in fun, measurable ways
- Foster teamwork, public speaking, critical thinking, and creativity
- Make literacy competitions a national culture
Who Can Participate?
Participation is open to:
- Learners in Grades R–3 (Foundation Phase), Grades 4–7 (Intermediate Phase), and Grades 8–11 (FET Phase)
- Primary and secondary schools across South Africa
- Teachers and educators trained to become Literacy Coaches
Teams are formed at school level, led by teacher-coaches trained through our professional development program.
When Do the Games Take Place?
The National Literary Games run annually from February to October, featuring a multi-level competition structure:
- February–March: Teacher training & team preparation
- April–June: School competitions
- July–August: District Championships
- September: Provincial Finals
- October: National Championships
Where Do the Games Happen?
Competitions are hosted across all nine provinces in South Africa. Games begin at school level, then move through district and provincial stages, culminating in the national finals.
From urban centers to rural villages, the National Literary Games ensure that literacy development and creative storytelling are accessible and celebrated nationwide.
Competition Structure
The games follow a structured, tiered model:
- 🏫 Phase 1: School Preliminaries (4–6 Weeks)
- 🏆 Phase 2: District Championships
- 🥇 Phase 3: Provincial Finals
- 🇿🇦 Phase 4: National Championships
Competition Phases
The games follow a structured, tiered model:
Phase 1: School Preliminaries (4-6 Weeks)
Local school competitions organized by teacher-coaches.
Phase 2: District Championships
Winning teams advance to district-level contests.
Phase 3: Provincial Finals
Top district teams compete at provincial events.
Phase 4: National Championships
Provincial champions face off for national recognition.
Program Categories
Each phase includes age-appropriate reading, writing, and storytelling events, designed to challenge and uplift literacy skills.
Foundation Phase Literacy Games
(Grades R - 3)
Engaging literacy activities designed for our youngest learners, building foundational reading and writing skills through play and competition.
Intermediate Phase Literacy Games
(Grades 4 -7)
Advanced literacy challenges that develop critical thinking, creative writing, and comprehensive reading skills for intermediate learners.
FET Phase Competitions
(Grades 8 - 11)
Sophisticated literary competitions focusing on advanced storytelling, analytical writing, and complex reading comprehension for senior students.
Registration Details
Who Can Register:
- Schools:
Public and private schools nationwide
- Teachers:
Educators intersted in literacy coaching
- Students:
Learners from Foundation to FET Phases
Registration Process:
-
Complete Online Application
-
Teacher-Coach Training (certified program)
-
Team Formation & Practice
-
District-Level Registration
Important Dates:
Registration Opens
January
Training Period
February - March
School Competitions
April - June
District Rounds
July - August
Provincial Finals
September
National Champions
October
Resources for Educators
Teacher Training Materials:
- Game rules & instructions
- Curriculum intergration guides
- Assessment tools
- Certified PD certificates
Student Resources:
- Practice questions & sample activities
- Storytelling prompts and reading drills
- Team collaboration activities
- Competition prep guides
“… builds a generation of confident readers..”
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Why Were the Games Created?
To turn literacy education into a national movement that’s engaging, inclusive, and impactful. In a world where many students struggle to find joy in reading, the National Literary Games provide purpose, structure, and excitement through academic competition.
This initiative is rooted in community, celebrates local languages and culture, and builds a generation of confident readers, writers, and thinkers.
Ready to Join the Movement?
Give your learners the opportunity to become literary champions. Register your school today and join South Africa’s fastest-growing literacy competition.