5FM's 3 million book campaign

Through Kevin's national 5FM show, the word has been spread with a clear message – stop complaining about the symptoms of crime and start fighting the causes – in this case, illiteracy which results in unemployment and crime. There is clearly a need for literature at underprivileged schools, in institutions, amongst communities and individuals, who don't have access to books as a primary source of both education and entertainment

Fine mobilized listeners to action asking them to nominate anybody whom they thought needed books and the response has been phenomenal.

“Through 5FM's audience, the 3 million books have been ordered by caring individuals who answered the call to help those in need… Everybody's quick to say how there are problems in SA, but if you make your voice heard, good things can happen too. By asking our audience who needed the books, the response has been overwhelming and I'd like to thank everybody for helping make this happen. Every province in the country is set to receive books that more than 10 million people will read. I'm proud to have been the guy driving this initiative, and even happier that so many people will receive genuine benefit!” explained Fine.

Literacy challenge

To date, over 175 000 books have been distributed to various schools. Fine says “the 3 million books will be distributed over a period of time well after the roadshow. Thanks to Rotary, there's a never ending supply; so, what we've started is not just going to dry up, it's just gonna get bigger!”

“Literacy is an on-going challenge especially for schools situated in the poorer areas where there is limited access to books. As a company we have dedicated our corporate responsibility to economic and social upliftment and education. Literacy is a critical factor in empowering communities who will ultimately become part of the larger economy,” says Wendy Sweetman, PostNet's head of marketing, communication and training.

Rotary Districts in the USA initiated the “Books of the World” and for the last five years Rotary SA has been distributing books in South Africa. This year it has combined forces with PostNet SA and 5FM's Kevin Fine to deliver over 3 million books to schools, libraries, individuals and day-care centres. PostNet will be responsible for the delivery of the books via its fleet of PostNet Courier vehicles, while Fine and 5FM will give the project a national voice via the airwaves.