| OCTOBER 2024
Page 4: Staying Positive: Tips for Booksellers in the Final Months of the Year
Page 6: Shaping the Future of Education with Macmillan Education Projects
Page 11: New and approved TVET FIRST N6 Titles for 2025!
Dear Bookseller
As the year races towards its conclusion, it’s hard to believe that we’re already in the second-to-last issue of the MacNews for 2024. With so much happening, there’s a lot to look back on - and even more to look forward to!
First, we’d like to extend our best wishes to all matric learners currently sitting for their final exams. Although the exams have already commenced, we encourage them to stay focused and determined in these final weeks. We’re rooting for their success as they take this important step towards their future.
We are also thrilled to share some highlights from National Book Month, which was an overwhelming success! The campaign reached schools and communities nationwide, igniting a renewed passion for reading. Thank you to everyone who participated and contributed to making this event so impactful - it’s initiatives like these that strengthen our shared mission of fostering a love for reading.
On the sales front, we know this is a crucial period as booksellers are working tirelessly to get school orders ready for the upcoming academic year. We wish you all the best with these efforts, knowing how important this time is for your business and for ensuring learners are well-equipped for 2025.
And don’t forget, the Macmillan Book Bonanza is in full swing and will run until 8 November! In addition to incredible discounts on CAPS titles, selected readers, and resource materials, there’s an exciting competition tied to the event. Be sure to look out for more details in this issue - you won’t want to miss out on the chance to win!
On the topic of inspirational initiatives, we’re excited to share some of the outstanding work being done by the Macmillan Teacher Campus (MTC) team. Through our collaboration with the Nal’ibali Project as part of the “Building a Brighter Future” initiative, we’ve been helping to cultivate literacy skills and empower communities in KwaZulu Natal. Additionally, the MeLDS programme (Macmillan eLearning Development Schools) continues to thrive, focusing on equipping educators with the digital tools and skills needed to embrace technology in their teaching. These programmes are shaping the future of education, and we’re proud to be part of this journey (read more on pg 6)
Behind the scenes, our publishing team is hard at work finalising all the materials for the Foundation Phase call of submissions. With the November deadline fast approaching, we’re ensuring that all content is polished and ready for the next steps. It’s an exciting time, and we’ll be sure to keep you updated on the progress.
Lastly, we have an important announcement from Hodder Educationstay tuned for some exciting news that will be revealed in this issue (read more on pg 8).
Our final newsletter of the year will be sent out at the end of November, so stay tuned for more exciting updates and offers before we wrap up 2024!
Until next time, Warm regards, The Macmillan Team
Macmillan National Book Month Celebration
A Success Story
From 1 to 30 September 2024, Macmillan Education spearheaded a month-long celebration of National Book Month in South Africa, amplifying the spirit of National Book Week. This initiative aimed to ignite a passion for reading across the country, with a particular focus on Foundation Phase learners. It also tied in with International Literacy Day on 8 September, emphasising the global importance of literacy and reading for development.
Macmillan’s school outreach programme spanned multiple provinces, engaging 7,600 Foundation Phase learners and over 400 teachers. The initiative included captivating storytime sessions and interactive activities to make reading fun and accessible for young minds. Each learner received special reading materials, such as bookmarks with motivational messages and stickers promoting the theme “reading is my superpower”. Macmillan also donated 360 library books to each participating school, bringing the total number of books donated to over 8,600.
In addition to supporting learners, Macmillan offered free online reading strategy workshops for teachers, with two webinars attracting more than 1,600 attendees. The workshops, led by esteemed facilitators, were met with resounding praise and received overwhelmingly positive feedback, helping teachers incorporate better classroom reading practices. Each teacher also received a goodie bag with useful resources, including QR codes to Macmillan’s catalogues and tips on teaching reading.
The Macmillan Online Reading Corner was a key highlight of the month. It featured stories in various African languages to reach a broader audience. Promoted via social media and email campaigns, the platform received over 2,000 views during the celebration, enhancing its role as a resource for learners and teachers.
This month-long celebration not only promoted literacy but also strengthened Macmillan’s relationships with schools and teachers, paving the way for the introduction of new CAPS books in 2025, making a lasting impact on South Africa’s literacy landscape.
Staying Positive: Tips for Booksellers in the Final Months of the Year
As the year draws to a close, booksellers who supply schools may face challenges. The last two months can feel like an uphill battle, from dwindling budgets to tight schedules. However, this time also presents opportunities for booksellers to make a positive impact. Here are some tips to stay motivated, productive, and upbeat in these final months.
1. Reframe Challenges as Opportunities
The end of the year often brings budget constraints and busy school schedules. Instead of seeing these as obstacles, reframe them as opportunities to offer solutions. Schools might want to spend the remaining funds or plan for next year. Position your stock as a valuable investment for the upcoming term, focusing on essential books or materials to help teachers hit the ground running in the new school year.
2. Leverage Holiday Spirit
With the festive season approaching, it’s a great time to spread positivity and show appreciation. Simple gestures like offering discounts, bundling packages, or sending “thank you” cards can go a long way in maintaining strong relationships with schools. Consider holding a small holiday promotion where schools can get a sneak peek at next year’s catalogue, coupled with early bird offers.
3.
Stay Connected with Key Decision-Makers
This time of year often focuses on planning for the next academic year. Keep communication open with school principals, heads of department, and procurement teams. A friendly check-in to see if there are any lastminute needs or to discuss upcoming projects can make you stand out. Highlight any upcoming curriculum changes or new releases that would benefit the school for the next term.
4.
Host or Participate in
End-of-Year Events
Many schools host end-of-year functions, open days, or awards ceremonies. These present a perfect opportunity for you to contribute. Offer to sponsor reading-related prizes or provide a selection of discounted books for parents to purchase. Your involvement will be appreciated and will create lasting impressions for the future.
5. Reflect and Plan for the Year Ahead
The end of the year is a great time for reflection. Assess your performance, from your sales strategy to the relationships you’ve built. What worked? What didn’t? Use this period to plan how to strengthen your approach for next year. Reach out to school staff to gather feedback or offer a brief survey, showing that you care about their needs and are constantly looking for ways to improve your services.
6. Practice Self-Care
The final months can feel like a marathon, so don’t forget to look after your well-being. Maintaining a positive mindset starts with managing your stress. Take time to rest, reflect, and recharge. Schedule brief breaks, celebrate your wins (even the small ones) and keep a balanced perspective. Remember, a refreshed and motivated seller is more effective in the long run.
7. Celebrate Successes
Take a moment to recognise and celebrate the hard work you’ve put in throughout the year. Whether securing new partnerships with schools, expanding your client base, or overcoming challenges, each milestone is worth appreciating. Celebrating these achievements can boost your morale and motivate you to finish the year strong.
8. Use the “Less Pressure” Time to Innovate
With schools winding down and fewer large orders, now is the perfect time to innovate. Evaluate your product offerings, streamline your processes, or plan creative marketing strategies for the new year. Think of how you can offer even more value to schools through new book recommendations, training workshops, or reading initiatives.
Final Thoughts
Though the last months of the year may be challenging for booksellers they also offer unique opportunities for growth and connection. By staying positive, adapting your approach, and nurturing relationships, you can close the year on a high note and set yourself up for success in the year ahead. Keep your energy up, and remember that the relationships you build now will bear fruit for the next school year and beyond.
Macmillan Teacher Campus News
Empowering Education: Northwest Teachers Embrace Digital Learning Through the MeLDS Programme
The Macmillan eLearning Development Schools (MeLDS) programme, launched in August in the Northwest province, equipped teachers from Taleo Primary and Bakang Selebo Primary School with laptops and data projectors to enhance digital skills. Over two months, teachers received hands-on training, creating resources aligned with the Foundation Phase CAPS curriculum. The programme ended with a ceremony in Mahikeng, where participants earned certificates from the South African Council for Educators, marking their commitment to technology-driven teaching.
Building a Brighter Future: Progress of the Nal’ibali Project
The Siyafunda project, a partnership between Nal’ibali and Macmillan Teacher Campus, is making strides. Since July, 80 workshops have trained 447 Early Childhood Development practitioners and 972 parents and caregivers, all aimed at boosting literacy and play-based learning. Monthly sessions provide training manuals and resource kits filled with educational toys, ensuring participants have tools for “Learn through play”. Despite challenges like limited childcare, the dedicated team has adapted, delivering high-quality sessions that receive enthusiastic feedback. The final training session is scheduled for 7 December, marking a continued commitment to early childhood education.
Don’t miss out on fantastic savings. Order now and save big until 8 November!
Exclusive Limited-Time Discounts for Booksellers
CAPS Titles (Print and eBook Format)
Receive an additional 2.5% discount on top of your regular discount when purchasing CAPS titles.
Selected Resource Material and Readers
Enjoy a remarkable 40% discount on selected resource materials and readers, regardless of your current discount rate.
Resources and Information
■ Download the order form for selected primary and secondary schools resources and readers.
■ Watch a video of our discounted titles.
■ View our catalogues for full details Competition! Win Big!
Mention 5 titles or series from the Macmillan Book Bonanza selected resource material and readers price list, and you could win a Takealot voucher worth R500! Competition closes 8 November. Click here to enter!
Agencies and Digital
A message from the Hachette Learning Team
Together we unlock the learner’s unique potential
Hodder Education and John Catt are changing to Hachette Learning, embracing the name of our parent company Hachette UK. With a rich history spanning over 200 years, Hachette UK is globally recognised as one of world’s largest publishers. This alignment strengthens our ability to support the diverse needs of our customers, in an ever-changing educational landscape.
Our name is changing; our mission is staying the same
We’ll continue to offer the same products and services, delivering robust products and solutions for all ages across K-12 and beyond–designed to raise educational standards worldwide.
What our new name means for you
We’d like you to start using our new brand name from January 2025, at your events, in-store and online. To help you share this change with your customers ahead of January, we’ll provide a leaflet that explains the name change.
Updated brand assets
All our brand assets will be refreshed and shared with your sales manager, who will be able to share them with you.
Merchandise and event materials
You’ll also receive Hachette Learning merchandise, including tablecloths and banner artwork for your events. We can send the banners to you directly, or your sales manager can share the high-res files, so they can be printed locally.
No changes to your processes
Rest assured, this change only affects our customer-facing brand. Your orders, deliveries and invoicing processes will stay the same. You’ll still be invoiced through Hachette UK Distribution.
Using your existing stock
You can carry on using your existing
stock until it runs out–with our new logo starting to appear on products from January.
Why Hachette Learning?
We know that no two students learn the same way. So instead of a onesize-fits-all approach, we provide schools with the teaching and learning resources they need to accelerate the learning experience.
Digital solutions
Our cutting-edge digital solutions are designed to turbo-charge teaching, providing online platforms to lighten workloads, and dynamic tools that increase learner engagement through personalised learning experiences.
Curriculum
We support curriculum-based teaching and learning for ages 3-19+, with a huge range of revision support materials covering all the leading awarding bodies.
Assessment solutions
We’re a leading provider of assessment solutions, with decades of experience in testing and learning. Our award-winning standardised and SEN-focused tests are designed in collaboration with expert authors, teachers and students.
Global reach
We operate in 150 countries worldwide. With our global reach, reputation for educational excellence, and unparalleled local expertise, we’re uniquely positioned to grow your business and reach new markets.
Get in touch
If you have any questions about our name change, please don’t hesitate to get in touch with our Global Sales team.
Email: international.sales@hodder.co.uk
Call: +44(0)1235 827 720
TVET FIRST News
Approved! New Industrial Electronics N6 Textbooks
TVET First’s popular Student’s Book, Workbook and Lecturer’s Guide for Industrial Electronics N6 will be implemented in January 2025
Follow the links below to view samples online:
Industrial Electronics N6 - Student’s Book
Industrial Electronics N6 - Workbook
Industrial Electronics N6 - Lecturer’s Guide
NEW Mechanical Drawing and Design N6 textbook
TVET First’s popular Student’s Book and Lecturer’s Guide for Mechanical Drawing and Design N6 will be implemented in January 2025
Follow the links below to view samples online:
Mechanical Drawing and Design N6 - Student’s
Book Mechanical Drawing and Design N6 - Lecturer’s Guide
TVET SALES REPRESENTATIVES
You are welcome to contact us if you need any assistance or if you would like to know more about our approved titles.
Jayshil Bhula
Senior Sales Representative
jayshil.bhula@macmillaneducation.co.za 078 803 9903
Thantaswa Botile Sales Representative
thantaswa.botile@macmillaneducation.co.za 071 671 1228
PHASE
MACMILLAN READERS AT A GLANCE
ECD & Grade R Here we Go Series
Available in English, Afrikaans, isiXhosa, isiZulu, Sepedi, Sesotho, Setswana
View more information
Grade R Grade R Readers
C APS
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
C APS
View more information
FP African Language Readers
C APS
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
C APS
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
IP
View English Primary School brochure View Afrikaans Primary School brochure View English Secondary School brochure View Afrikaans Secondary School brochure
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, Xitsonga
View Grade 7 Novels View Grade 8 and 9 Novels
FET
ECD/ Grade
Approved FET literature titles
Available in English, Afrikaans, isiNdebele, isiXhosa, isiZulu, Sepedi, Sesotho, Setswana, Siswati, Tshivend a, Xitsonga View more information
Reading corner resources View more information
Click on the covers below to download our catalogues
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
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
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
KWAZULU-NATAL
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
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
Nicole Smith
Agency and Digital Sales Consultant
Cell: 082 944 6968
Email: Nicole.Smith@macmillaneducation.co.za