As we transition into a new season, we’re thrilled to share some news that will warm you up!
The school buying season is right around the corner, with teachers in Gauteng recently having the opportunity to explore approved library resource materials at exhibitions hosted by the provincial education department. We’ve compiled Macmillan’s approved titles into primary and secondary school library catalogues, making it easy for you to access and share with schools in Gauteng. Follow the links below to download the catalogues.
Download primary catalogue | Download secondary catalogue
North West and Northern Cape schools are gearing up for a busy period. In the North West, district exhibitions kicked off on 13 May, focusing on CAPS top-ups from Grade R to Grade 12, and Grade R kits and resource material approved by the North West Department of Education.
Meanwhile, exhibitions in the Northern Cape began on May 6, specifically focusing on CAPS top-ups and resource material approved by the NC Department of Education.
In the Western Cape, schools also focus on CAPS top-ups for all grades to ensure they are ready for 2025.
Stay tuned for news from the other provinces in the next MacNews.
Macmillan Education strives to offer more than just learning solutions. Our Teacher Campus team conducted workshops nationwide on the new Coding & Robotics curriculum using the FP Solutions for All Coding and Robotics series from April through May.
The upcoming months promise to be busy and fruitful, providing ample opportunities for booksellers.
Publishers will be extremely busy during the months to come, preparing for new submissions. The current CAPS catalogues have reached their expiry date, and the Department of Basic Education (DBE) announced its plans to develop a new national catalogue for CAPS, commencing with the Foundation Phase.
The Foundation Phase (Grades 1 to 3 ) national catalogues will be compiled and released to provinces by the end of March 2025.
We will keep you informed on further developments
Please get in touch with your province’s Macmillan sales representative for any support or queries.
Stay warm and informed!
Warm regards,
Welcome aboard, Muzi!
Muzi Mshengu brings a wealth of experience to Macmillan Education SA. He worked for the Department of Education as an educator for over a decade and has a decade and a half of experience in the publishing industry. Muzi is no stranger to Macmillan, as he was part of this magnificent team from 2005 to 2011, first as a teacher trainer and then as a Sales Consultant.
We know you’ll do great things in your new role Muzi, and we’re excited to support you every step of the way!
We delighted to have you, Thantaswa!
We are delighted to announce that Thantaswa Botile has joined us as TVET sales rep EC/KZN, effective 01 May 2024. Thantaswa holds a B.Tech in Education Management, a Diploma in Secondary Education, and a Postgraduate Diploma in HIV/AIDS Management. She has served in various roles in TVET colleges and schools and brings with her a wealth of knowledge and experience.
We are certain that she will add great value to the team.
1. What do you do at Macmillan and in what circumstances would I come to you for something?
I am a customer services consultant. You could come to me if you needed assistance with any customer service-related query.
2. What appeals to you about your job?
Customer service provides a dynamic environment where I can leverage my adaptability and quick thinking to meet customers’ ever-changing needs.
3. What’s your favourite way to unwind after a busy day?
Taking a warm bath and watching a series
4. Which season is your favourite?
Summer
5. How do you define good customer service? Good customer service means that you put yourself into the customer’s shoes, understand what the customer wants and strive to satisfy their needs.
6. What’s a mistake you made early on in your career, and what did you learn from it? Not asking for help when I needed it. I learnt that your team will always be there to assist.
7. What’s one thing that surprised you about working at Macmillan?
The way the staff are friendly and willing to assist if you are not sure about something. Also, the fact that it is a conducive environment.
8. What’s one item you want to own that you don’t?
A piano
9. What’s the best advice you were ever given? Remember why you started; you are your only limit.
Tailored for the next generation of tech enthusiasts, the Workbook combines engaging content, handson activities, and real-world applications to make learning exciting.
A comprehensive Teacher’s Guide offers clear stepby-step instructions for each lesson, eliminating the need for additional lesson plans. It also boosts novice teachers' confidence in delivering this new subject.
Our Coding and Robotics solutions aren't just limited to textbooks. With dedicated teacher support through workshops, webinars, and online teaching tips, you'll feel confident implementing the curriculum using our Solutions for all Coding and Robotics series, guiding your learners through the exciting world of technology effectively.
Follow the links below to view sample pages from the Solutions for all Coding and Robotics textbooks:
We help teachers to feel confident and well-prepared to navigate the world of technology education in their classroom.
Training sessions for Macmillan Education's new Foundation Phase Solutions for All Coding and Robotics series were conducted in every province, with a comprehensive focus on empowering teachers for success in the classroom. These workshops offered practical insights into implementing the innovative Coding & Robotics curriculum.
The programme commenced on 5 April with an intensive trainthe-trainer session, equipping eight trainers to lead subsequent workshops effectively.
During these sessions, teachers learned effective teaching methodologies such as the engineering and design process and computational thinking. Additionally, they received a Coding and Robotics wheel and bookmark as part of their training materials.
Macmillan's national sales team played a pivotal role, supporting the trainers and showcasing a range of coding and robotics materials alongside other popular Macmillan products.
Workshops will be conducted across all eight provinces until the end of July. Through dedicated teacher support, Macmillan aims to instill confidence and readiness among educators to integrate technology education seamlessly into their classrooms.
Getting a foot in the door at a school as a bookseller can be a strategic process that involves building relationships and demonstrating the value of your offerings to teachers and school administrators. Here are some effective steps to achieve this:
1. Research and Identify Schools: Research schools in your area or within your target market. Understand their curriculum requirements, their reading programmes, and any specific educational needs they may have. Identify the key school decision-makers, such as principals, LTSM coordinators, librarians and heads of departments.
2. Build Relationships: Establishing relationships with teachers and school administrators is not just a step but a cornerstone of your strategy. This can be done through networking events, school visits, or scheduling meetings to introduce yourself and your offerings. Building trust and rapport is key to gaining access to schools. By prioritising these relationships, you show educators that you value their expertise and partnership. Continuous communication is important to maintain these relationships.
3. Sustaining Long-Term Partnerships: Fostering ongoing relationships with schools beyond initial engagements, continuously seeking feedback, and adapting services to meet evolving needs are important ways to maintain relations. Continuous communication is also important.
Macmillan Support: Focus monthly on a specific phase or product and forward Macmillan's relevant digital catalogues/brochures to your customers. In MacNews, you can see a list of all the available Macmillan brochures and catalogues and request the digital version.
4. Be Responsive and Professional: Building relationships with schools is not just about offering exceptional customer service and support. It's also about being responsive and professional in your interactions. This means promptly addressing any concerns or queries and always conducting yourself professionally. These actions can enhance your reputation and strengthen your relationship with schools.
5. Offer Educational Solutions: Besides selling textbooks, you must offer comprehensive educational resources that align with school requirements. These include cross-selling workbooks, reference materials, digital resources, and supplementary learning tools. Emphasise the benefits of these solutions, such as improved learner engagement, enhanced learning outcomes, and streamlined curriculum delivery.
Macmillan Support: Contact the Macmillan sales representative in your province for training for you and your team on the Macmillan products.
6. Offer Customisation and Personalisation: Tailor your offerings to each school's specific needs. This could involve creating custom book lists, curating themed book collections, or providing personalised book recommendations based on curriculum requirements.
Macmillan Support: The Macmillan Primary & Secondary School Highlights Catalogue provides a wide variety of products that will help you tailor your offerings to your school's needs, whether it follows the Cambridge curriculum or offers foreign languages as a subject.
7. Highlight Benefits and Value Proposition: Clearly articulate how your books and resources benefit learners, teachers, and the school curriculum – highlighting unique features and benefits of products.
Macmillan Support: Participating in the Macmillan Education Let’s Talk sessions will provide you with tools to highlight the benefits and value proposition effectively of your books and resources for learners, teachers and school curriculums.
8. Stay Informed and Adaptive: Keep abreast of educational trends, curriculum changes, and emerging technologies in the education sector. Adapt your offerings accordingly to meet evolving school needs.
Macmillan Support: The Macmillan bookseller newsletter - MacNewswill keep you informed.
9. Leverage Education Conferences and Events: Make the most of education conferences, workshops and seminars where educators gather. These events offer valuable networking opportunities and serve as a platform to showcase your products directly to potential school clients, enhancing the visibility of your offerings.
Macmillan Support: See the schedule for upcoming events in MacNews.
10. Community Outreach Programmes: Engage in community outreach programmes focused on literacy and education. This can involve donating books to schools or libraries or sponsoring educational events. These actions will help to strengthen your reputation within the community.
11. Provide Samples and Demonstrations: Offer schools samples of your educational materials or arrange to exhibit your products. Let teachers experience the quality and relevance of your books and resources firsthand.
Macmillan Support: The Macmillan sales team is available to assist you with exhibitions.
12. Offer Special Discounts and Promotions: Give schools incentives, such as special introductory discounts or bulk purchase deals, to encourage them to buy from you.
Macmillan Support: The annual Macmillan Education Book Bonanza, held in October for booksellers, provides a great opportunity for special discounts for your customers.
13. Seek Referrals and Testimonials: Build a positive reputation within the education community by asking satisfied school clients for referrals and testimonials. This will help build credibility and attract more schools to your services.
By following these strategies and actively engaging with schools, you can effectively position yourself as a valuable partner in supporting educational goals and fostering a love for reading and learning within the school community.
PHASE PRODUCT
ECD & Grade R Here we Go Series
Available in English, Afrikaans, isiXhosa, isiZulu, Sepedi, Sesotho, Setswana
View more information
Grade R Grade R Readers
Available in English, Afrikaans, 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, Siswati
View more information
FP/IP Thokozani
Available in isiXhosa, isiZulu, Sepedi, Sesotho, 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, Setswana View FP brochure | View IP brochure
PHASE PRODUCT
FP/IP Flying Start to Literacy
Available in English
View FP brochure View IP brochure
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
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, Xitsonga
View Grade 7 Novels
View Grade 8 and 9 Novels
FET
Approved FET literature titles
ECD/ Grade R/ FP/IP
Available in English, Afrikaans, isiNdebele, isiXhosa, isiZulu, Sepedi, Sesotho, Setswana, Siswati, Tshivend a, Xitsonga
View more information
Reading corner resources
View more information
7 June
17–21 June
8 July
19–20 July
25–26 July
14 Aug
12–14 Sept
13–15 Sept
SAOU Leaders’ Summit
Kopano Nokeng, Bloemfontein
Hester Human (076 013 8150)
AMESA National Congress
Sol Plaatjie University, Kimberley Nombulelo Mandindi (011 484 8917)
Innovate & Inspire Conference
Hudson Park Primary School, East London
Kelly Bush (043 726 3220)
SAPA Mpumalanga Conference
Venue still to be confirmed
Linda Benwell (082 770 3476)
SAPA Limpopo Conference
Kalahari Waterfront (Nandoni Dam)
Pretoria Hoofdekring Expo
Lavender Kontrei Mark, 106 Apache Street, Onderstepoort
Annelize (admin4@wonwen.co.za)
SAPA National Conference
Emperors Palace, Gauteng
Mary Masombuka (072 136 7841)
LITASA Conference
University of Cape Town
Kgomotso (info@litasa.org.za)
SAPA - South Africa Principals Association
AMESA - Association for Mathematics Education of South Africa
LITASA - Literacy Association of South Africa
SAOU - Suid Afrikaanse Onderwys Unie
Click on the covers below to download our catalogues
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
Tel: 011 731 3300
Email: customerservices@macmillaneducation.co.za
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
Ayanda Nkunzi
Sales and Marketing Representative
Cell: 082 949 9664
Email: Ayanda.Nkunzi@macmillaneducation.co.za
Peter Ledwaba
Provincial Sales Manager Cell: 076 994 0986
Email: Peter.Ledwaba@macmillaneducation.co.za
Asheena Patel
Provincial Sales Manager
Cell: 066 138 2746
Email: Asheena.Patel@macmillaneducation.co.za
Phathi Kona
Sales and Marketing Representative
Cell: 060 908 8209
Email: Phathi.Kona@macmillaneducation.co.za
Enerst 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
Mmatapa Moabelo
Sales and Marketing Representative
Cell: 078 804 0612
Email: Mmatapa.Moabelo@macmillaneducation.co.za
Lillian Vuma
Sales and Marketing Representative Cell: 078 803 9918
Email: Lillian.Vuma@macmillaneducation.co.za
Mmaabo Modisane
Provincial Sales Manager
Cell: 071 399 1337
Email: Mmaabo.Modisane@macmillaneducation.co.za
Liezl Abrahams
Sales and Marketing Representative
Cell: 071 441 9144
Email: Liezl.Abrahams@macmillaneducation.co.za
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
Kilayne Pelser
Agency and Digital Sales Manager
Cell: 076 994 0985
Email: Kilayne.Pelser@macmillaneducation.co.za
Nicole Smith
Agency and Digital Sales Consultant
Cell: 082 944 6968
Email: Nicole.Smith@macmillaneducation.co.za