Gold Circle and the SA BookSmart Foundation have joined forces to distribute learning resources to those in need.

The initiative was launched at a function held at Greyville Racecourse on Monday, 19 September 2005.

A Memorandum of Understanding was signed by Dr Monica Mngadi and Mr David Furness, Managing Director of Gold Circle. Witnessing the signing was KwaZulu-Natal’s Director General Professor Mandla Mchunu.

Dr Monica Mngadi said “We are excited that Gold Circle is joining the BookSmart family to eradicate the readership poverty that exists in our most deprived communities.”

In terms of the Memorandum of Understanding, the SA BookSmart Foundation will make learning resources available for distribution. Gold Circle has undertaken the delivery of the learning resources to schools and communities in KwaZulu-Natal using its transportation facilities. The partnership will run for three years and will get underway with the first delivery of learning resources to schools in Umlazi and Inanda on Thursday 22 September.

Michel Nairac, Chief Executive Officer of Gold Circle said: “Gold Circle is delighted to be involved in this BookSmart project, highlighting its commitment to the community, to education and to the Province of KwaZulu-Natal.”

The launch also featured exhibits by author Gcina Mhlope, Mineseekers, Cogic SA Co-opt, Project Build, Books On Wheels, Soul Of Africa and Iafrica-New Africa initiative.