Arrived first thing this morning for strategy and board meetings of Macmillan Southern Africa. Issues include:

Only 45% of the Mocambique population is literate.

South Africa itself can only boast a reading age of a 9-year old or better for 85% of its people.

Life expectancy ranges from 31 in Swaziland to 47 in South Africa.

There are only 30 university campuses for a population larger than Germany's and not one appears on the top 200 list of universities.

Apparently computers in schools remain in the classroom for no longer than one term before reappearing on market stands etc.

Two retail book chains control 70% of the consumer market (CNA and Exclusive Books).

I could go on about the difficulties and challenges of the region but of course these things don't take account of the gees (or siel) of the people. You'll need to brush up your Afrikaans to check these out.

Now the good things:

151,000 copies of the Macmillan English Dictionary sold last year and which is also available free of charge on the Department of Education website.

More than 1 million books sold in Mocambique.

Wilbur Smith's Triumph of the Sun sold more copies in South Africa than any of his previous titles (and that's saying something). Incidentally he was in Swaziland recently researching the reed dance which will feature in his new book, The Quest.

I could go on but have to return to the boardroom to work out how we can fulfil our mission - To offer learner and teacher support for all in Southern Africa.