Cape Town - The Cape Argus donated books to Greenlands Primary School in Bishop Lavis on Thursday.
The donation formed part of the Cape Argus' 160 birthday celebration and one of the newspaper's Nelson Mandela Day initiatives.
"The theme for this year's Mandela Day is #ActionAgainstPoverty. Greenlands Primary school is in one of the poorest communities in Cape Town," Cape Argus editor Aziz Hartley said.
"Books can broaden the children's world-view, stimulate their imagination and be a resource for projects and research.
"The school's library is stocked with mostly second-hand books, but the need for books is so great that the school has identified additional space for a bigger library.
"There is a public library, but many children have been mugged, assaulted and victimised while walking to it. The safest place to do research and projects is at the school," he said.
Pupils carry the donated books into the library. Video: Jade Otto
The school was very excited to receive the books.
"The school governing body, management, staff and the greater Greenlands community are extremely grateful for the donation of books received," principal Kathleen Highberg said.
"This certainly goes a long way in assisting our learners and staff in their pursuit of assisting the learners academically and improving the lives of the surrounding community.
"It is a long term goal of the school to expand its library services to the community as the only public library in Bishop Lavis is not always available and safe to attend by our learners.
Greenlands Primary School principal Kathleen Highburg. Video: Jade Otto
"To this end, any donation of books is most welcome in addressing the critical shortage of reading material which is an essential vital tool which is used to uplift and educate our community which includes the two surrounding informal settlements namely Malawi and Freedom Park.
"We are extremely happy with your interest shown in our school and look forward to develop and expand our mutual relationship going forward into the future," she said.