Creator

Leanne Kelly

Perseverance: Nhlanhla Malebye overcame the odds on his literacy
journey. From reading toilet paper by candlelight as a child to sitting in
the Rhodes University library as a young adult. Photo: Christopher Kelly

29 NOV 2025

Consider the 19%: What happens to those who can, in fact, read for meaning?

Much attention is paid to the 81% of South Africa’s Grade 4s who cannot read for meaning. Leanne Kelly considers the stories of those from the ‘other 19%

Leanne Kelly

7 min read