Cyril reveals passion for getting between covers

Children should read anywhere and everywhere - even on the toilet. That's what Deputy President Cyril Ramaphosa told children yesterday at Harare library in Khayelitsha, Cape Town.

His visit to the library was part of the build-up to tonight's State of the Nation address.

"I am reading an exciting book right now. I almost feel that every minute spent in a meeting is a wasted minute," said Ramaphosa.

While children waited for Ramaphosa to address them, they guessed what the job of a deputy president is. "I think he helps the president to do things when the president cannot do it himself," said 16-year-old Mandlakazi Mbi.

But the question of the historical significance of February 11 was met with blank stares. The children did not know it was the 25th anniversary of Nelson Mandela's release.