Dear BOOKSELLER
As we approach the final stretch of the year, we’re excited to share a preview of the Macmillan Book Bonanza 2025 — a limited-time promotional campaign running from 20 October to 21 November. This five-week offer features exclusive deals on selected resource materials, readers, and CAPS titles (including eBooks), providing booksellers with a valuable opportunity to stock up and save significantly. Please keep an eye on your inbox for further communication. We’ll be sharing more details soon — and you won’t want to miss out on this fantastic opportunity!
Alongside the Bonanza, we’re proud to introduce a brand-new product range: the Macmillan Computing with Coding and Robotics Intermediate Phase Learner’s Books and Teacher’s Guides. These CAPS-aligned Learner’s Books and Teacher’s Guides are designed to ignite curiosity and equip learners with essential digital skills. You can find more information on this exciting launch on page 5.
In this issue, you’ll find the Bookseller Hub update on page 6, where we’re still running a competition. We also take a look back at National Book Week, share highlights from our attendance at the SAPA National Conference, and reflect on how we celebrated Heritage Day in our offices — a moment of pride and cultural appreciation across our teams.
As the days grow warmer and the year draws to a close, this edition brings a refreshing pause to your busy schedule.
Enjoy the read!
Regards,
The Macmillan Team
TODAY! MACMILLAN EDUCATION
The six pillars of our transformation journey
Macmillan Education South Africa strives to build a transformed, inclusive and diverse organisation.
Investing in our most valued asset
Our teams represent diverse backgrounds and cultures, and our profile reflects transformation. We recruit and draw from local talent. We invest in the development of our staff’s education and skills and through our Khula Nathi staff share in ownership.
Relevant and engaging local content
Our content is available in print and digital format and is relevant to our South African context. It supports inclusivity. Our stable boasts more than 2 000 books published in all African languages.
Bridging the skills divide
Providing and empowering 100 learners each year since 2019 through learnership programmes by partnering with an accredited and reputable training college, and funding higher education bursaries for aspiring ECD practitioners since 2018. We are also a proud YES corporate partner since 2019.
Towards a greener future: advancing sustainability in our operations
In our quest for a greener, cleaner Earth, we are dedicated to reducing energy consumption, eliminating plastic usage, and conserving natural resources across our offices and warehouses. Our mission extends beyond mere action; we aim to inspire and educate our staff to become catalysts for change.
Central to our efforts is a strategic shift towards eco-friendly consumables and equipment designed to minimise carbon emissions and curb plastic dependency. We are making collective strides towards meaningful climate action by forging partnerships with small businesses that offer innovative climate-friendly solutions aligning with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Together, we are embarking on a transformative journey towards sustainability that will benefit our business and contribute positively to the global environmental agenda.
Supporting local education
We positively impact teachers’ digital fluency though our Macmillan eLearning Development Schools (MeLDS) programme.
We support several educational initiatives through donations and sponsorships. Over the past 15 years, more than 160 000 teachers benefitted from our Professional Development offering. We conducted free training programmes in support of the Department of Basic Education’s objectives and initiatives.
Supporting local enterprise
We offer supplier grants to fund the development of digital projects and appointments. 100% of our Macmillan South African books are printed locally. We support small companies.
Product Focus
Macmillan Computing with Coding and Robotics
Workbooks, Learner’s Books and Teacher’s Guides for the Foundation and Intermediate Phases
Ignite Curiosity. Empower 21 st century learners.
Macmillan Computing with Coding and Robotics is a brand new series developed by Macmillan in partnership with pioneering and immersive educators, Digital Schoolhouse. The titles are based on the Department of Basic Education’s draft Coding and Robotics curriculuam.
The series teaches learners digital skills to prepare them for life in the 21st century. The delivered curriculum ensures that they have sound foundations for a range of formal qualifications and future workplaces by developing seven strands for Foundation Phase: patterns and problems, algorithms, data, hardware and software, digital skills, programming and robotics, and digital citizenship. These strands are dealt with in themes that catch the learners’ interest, while simultaneously covering all five content areas of the draft curriculum, which are pattern recognition and problem-solving, algorithms and coding, robotic skills, internet and communication skills and application skills.
The Bookseller Hub is evolving — and it’s all thanks to your feedback.
Designed as a central space for booksellers, the Hub offers tools, updates, and exclusive content to support your work. If you haven’t explored it yet, now’s the perfect time.
Follow the link to explore the Bookseller Hub and see how it can support your day-to-day needs.
We want to hear from you!
Please share your thoughts on the Bookseller Hub and stand a chance to win a R500 Takealot voucher in our lucky draw.
National Book Week 2025
A Celebration of Literacy, Community and Connection
This year’s National Book Week was a vibrant celebration of reading, learning and community impact. Across the country, our teams came together to promote literacy and engage with educators, learners and booksellers in meaningful ways.
Office Park Book Sale
We kicked off the week with a lively book sale in the office park, offering a wide range of titles at discounted prices. The event drew in staff and visitors alike, creating a buzz around reading and making quality books more accessible.
Foundation Phase Literacy Outreach
As part of our commitment to early childhood education, we launched a literacy outreach programme targeting Foundation Phase educators. One school per province received a donated box of books, hand-delivered by our sales team. Each handover included goodie packs for learners filled with bookmarks, “I love reading” stickers, and other fun items to spark a love for reading.
Educator Competition
To drive engagement, we ran a National Book Week competition inviting Foundation Phase teachers to share creative classroom content. The response was inspiring, with educators showcasing innovative ways they use books to empower young minds.
National Book Week 2025 was a powerful reminder of the role we play in shaping literacy and learning across South Africa. Thank you to everyone who contributed to making this week a success — from logistics and admin to marketing and sales. Your passion and teamwork continue to make a difference.
Macmillan at SAPA 2025: Connecting with Leaders, Inspiring Change
The SAPA National Conference is a distinguished annual gathering of school principals who are members of the South African Principals Association. This year’s event was hosted from 11–13 September in the scenic coastal city of Gqeberha, Eastern Cape. The conference serves as a vital platform for educational leaders from across the country to engage, exchange ideas, and explore strategies for effective school leadership.
The theme for 2025, “Transformational Leadership for Skills Development & Growth”, highlighted the pivotal role principals play as agents of meaningful change within the education sector. As a leading publisher of educational materials, Macmillan Education was proud to participate once again, showcasing our world-class resources, engaging with school leaders, and building valuable connections that help us better understand their needs and how we can support them.
Our exhibition stand drew significant attention, thanks to the exciting competitions and giveaways we hosted throughout the event.
We extend our sincere gratitude to the South African Principals Association for the opportunity to be part of this impactful conference and look forward to next year’s gathering, which is set to take place in Limpopo in September.
Celebrating South African Heritage at the Office
In honour of Heritage Day, our team came together to celebrate the rich tapestry of South African cultures with a vibrant and heartfelt office gathering. The event was more than just a lunch — it was a tribute to the diversity that makes our country so unique.
Staff were invited to dress in traditional attire, showcasing the beauty and pride of their heritage. From isiXhosa beadwork to Zulu prints, Tswana shweshwe to Indian saris, the office was transformed into a colourful display of cultural expression. A "Best Dressed" draw added a fun and festive twist, with prizes awarded to those who went the extra mile in representing their roots.
The lunch featured a wide selection of South African dishes, allowing everyone to sample flavours from across the country. From boerie rolls, salads, chakalaka and cupcakes the menu was a delicious journey through our culinary heritage.
Photos captured the joy of the day — beautifully dressed staff sampling traditional cuisine, sharing stories, and celebrating what it means to be proudly South African.
Heritage Day reminds us that our differences are our strength, and this celebration was a powerful reflection of that spirit.
Featured Article
Effective Communication in the Workplace
Effective communication is the cornerstone of a productive and positive workplace. In the bookselling environment, it plays a vital role in everything from managing inventory and coordinating with suppliers to engaging customers and driving sales.
Why is effective communication essential for your workplace?
• Enhances collaboration: Smooth coordination between sales teams, suppliers and customers ensures better service and fewer errors.
• Boosts morale: Open and respectful communication fosters a motivated team that feels heard and valued.
• Improves efficiency: Clear instructions and expectations reduce misunderstandings and save time.
• Supports decision-making: Transparent dialogue helps teams respond quickly to market trends and customer needs.
• Builds trust: Strong relationships with customers and colleagues are built on honest, consistent communication.
Key components of effective communication
• Clarity: Keep messages simple, direct, and free of jargon — especially when communicating promotions or product details.
• Active listening: Understand customer needs and team feedback to respond effectively.
• Empathy: Recognize the pressures your team and customers face, and respond with understanding.
• Feedback: Constructive feedback helps improve service and team performance.
• Non-verbal cues: Body language and tone matter — especially in customer-facing roles.
How do booksellers typically communicate in the workplace?
• Verbal: In-store conversations, team briefings, phone calls
• Written: Emails, promotional flyers, stock reports
• Non-verbal: Store layout, signage, facial expressions
• Visual: Displays, catalogues, point-of-sale materials
Tips to improve communication in your workplace
• Encourage openness: Create a culture where ideas and concerns can be shared freely.
• Invest in training: Workshops on customer service, conflict resolution, and team communication can make a big difference.
• Use tech tools: Messaging platforms and inventory systems help streamline communication.
• Celebrate success: Recognise achievements and milestones to build a positive team spirit.
TVET FIRST NEWS
Student’s Book
• Illustrated experimental set-ups for practical activities.
• Labelled diagrams of scientific drawings to help students’ understanding.
• Real-world experiments that can be conducted with low-cost materials.
• Summative assessments to help with exam preparation.
Workbooks
• All-in-one revision tool for classwork, homework and exams
• Answer space for all Student’s Book activities
• Module summaries to support assessment prep
• Extra activities with varied question types
Lecturer’s Guide
Includes complete answers, a six-month teaching plan, and a customisable lesson template. Also features a photocopiable practice exam with memo for exam readiness.
072 799 1573
Jayshil
078 803 9903
Educational EVENTS AND EXHIBITIONS
Thulani Mthembu (thulani.mthembu@gauteng.gov.za)
Dawn Cozett (Dawn.Cozett@westerncape.gov.za)
Westville
Nomvula
(Nomvula.Mashile@gauteng.gov.za)
Angie
(amullins@redhill.co.za)
Auriel Gertze (Auriel.gertze@westerncape.gov.za)
MACMILLAN READERS AT A GLANCE
PHASE PRODUCT
ECD & Grade R Here we Go Series
Available in English, Afrikaans, isiXhosa, isiZulu, Sepedi, Sesotho and Setswana
View more information
Grade R Grade R Readers
Available in English, Afrikaans and Xitsonga
View more information
FP Snappy Sounds
Available in English
View more information
FP Alphakids Digital Library
Available in English
View more information
FP Solutions for all
Available in English, Afrikaans
View more information
FP African Language Readers
Available in isiNdebele, isiZulu, Sesotho, Setswana and Siswati
View more information
FP/IP Thokozani
Available in isiXhosa, isiZulu, Sepedi, Sesotho and Setswana
View more information
FP/IP Readers are Leaders
FP is available in English, Afrikaans. IP is available in English, Afrikaans, isiZulu, isiXhosa, Sepedi, Sesotho and Setswana
View FP brochure | View IP brochure
FP/IP Flying Start to Literacy
Available in English
View FP brochure
View IP brochure
MACMILLAN READERS AT A GLANCE
PHASE PRODUCT
FP/IP Reading Planet
Available in English
View more information
FP/IP Macmillan English Explorers
Available in English
View more information
FP/IP/ SP/FET Pan Macmillan titles
View English Primary School brochure
View Afrikaans Primary School brochure
View English Secondary School brochure
View Afrikaans Secondary School brochure
IP Reading Worlds
Available in English
View more information
IP Literacy Network
Available in English
View more information
IP/SP Core Readers
IP available in English, Afrikaans, isiXhosa, isiZulu, Sesotho and Setswana
SP available in English, isiXhosa, isiZulu, Sepedi, Sesotho and Setswana
View more information
SP Novels
Available in Afrikaans, English, Sepedi, Setswana, Siswati and Xitsonga
View Grade 7 Novels
View Grade 8 and 9 Novels
FET Approved FET literature titles
Available in English, Afrikaans, isiNdebele, isiXhosa, isiZulu, Sepedi, Sesotho, Setswana, Siswati, Tshivenda and Xitsonga
View more information
ECD/ Grade R/FP/IP Reading corner resources
View more information
Local and international agencies we represent
CONTACT US
NATIONAL
Sibonelo Mkhasibe
Head of National School Sales
Cell: 066 474 3793
Email: Sibonelo.Mkhasibe@macmillaneducation.co.za
Antoinette de Vries
Head of National Commercial Sales and Marketing Tel: 011 731 3455
Email: Antoinette.deVries@macmillaneducation.co.za
CUSTOMER SERVICE
Tel: 011 731 3300
Email: customerservices@macmillaneducation.co.za
TVET COLLEGES
Samantha Bennett
TVET FIRST Sales Manager
samatha.bennett@macmillaneducation.co.za 072 799 1573
Jayshil Bhula
Senior Sales Representative: TVET Colleges Cell: 076 222 2798
Email: jayshil.bhula@macmillaneducation.co.za
Thantaswa Botile
Sales Representative: TVET Colleges Cell: 071 671 1228
Email: thantaswa.botile@macmillaneducation.co.za
EASTERN CAPE
Ayanda Nkunzi
Sales and Marketing Representative Cell: 082 949 9664
Email: Ayanda.Nkunzi@macmillaneducation.co.za
FREE STATE
Peter Ledwaba
Provincial Sales Manager Cell: 076 994 0986
Email: Peter.Ledwaba@macmillaneducation.co.za
GAUTENG
Nicole Smith
Provincial Sales Manager
Email: Nicole.Smith@macmillaneducation.co.za Cell: 082 944 6968
Phathi Kona
Sales and Marketing Representative Cell: 060 908 8209
Email: Phathi.Kona@macmillaneducation.co.za
KWAZULU-NATAL
Ernest Muzi Mshengu
Sales and Marketing Manager Cell: 082 528 3712
Email: ernest.mshengu@macmillaneducation.co.za
Qhawe Gumede
Sales and Marketing Representative Cell: 067 187 3166
Email: Qhawe.Gumede@macmillaneducation.co.za
LIMPOPO
Mmatapa Moabelo
Sales and Marketing Representative Cell: 078 804 0612
Email: Mmatapa.Moabelo@macmillaneducation.co.za
MPUMALANGA
Lillian Vuma
Sales and Marketing Representative Cell: 078 803 9918
Email: Lillian.Vuma@macmillaneducation.co.za
NORTH WEST
Mmaabo Modisane
Provincial Sales Manager Cell: 071 399 1337
Email: Mmaabo.Modisane@macmillaneducation.co.za
NORTHERN CAPE
Liezl Abrahams
Sales and Marketing Representative Cell: 071 441 9144
Email: Liezl.Abrahams@macmillaneducation.co.za
WESTERN CAPE
Liezl Abrahams
Sales and Marketing Representative Cell: 071 441 9144
Email: Liezl.Abrahams@macmillaneducation.co.za
Tania Zeederberg
Sales and Marketing Representative Cell: 066 211 4352
Email: Tania.Zeederberg@macmillaneducation.co.za
AGENCY AND DIGITAL
Kilayne Pelser
Agency and Digital Sales Manager Cell: 076 994 0985
Email: Kilayne.Pelser@macmillaneducation.co.za
Bruce Mpofu
Agency and Digital Sales Consultant Cell: 066 138 2746
Email: Bruce.Mpofu@macmillaneducation.co.za