Literacy
latest news & developments
One goal, one system: A mission approach to improve early grade reading
With only 30% of South African learners in Grades 1 to 3 reading at grade level, the 2030 Reading Panel urges a systemic 'mission mode' overhaul to fix foundational learning.
Yonela Nomalizo Ntshakaza
Yonela Nomalizo Ntshakaza, 29, is quietly reshaping South Africa's entrepreneurial landscape by connecting promising founders with the support they need to succeed. Equal parts…
Why South Africa fathers need to read to and with their children
Literacy activist and author Madoda Ndlakuse founded Men's Literacy Imbizo to address the absence of fathers in children's educational activities. The initiative encourages men…
Kingsmead Book Fair returns with conversations SA needs right now
As the 14th annual Kingsmead Book Fair returns to Johannesburg, the beloved literary gathering once again creates space for difficult conversations, thoughtful reflection and the…
From commitment to coherence: Reflections on the Western Cape’s reading and literacy strategy
At the launch of the Reading and Literacy Strategy 2026–30, reading was framed as fundamental to the entire schooling experience. The notion that reading is the air that we…
Silence is golden for South Africa’s book lovers
Organisers Griffin Shea and Ntokozo Ndlovu speak about how silent reading clubs are transforming South Africa’s book culture
How to rethink literacy for the digital age
International Literacy Day offers a time for reflection on the situation in Africa, where gains have been made in literacy figures but where much remains to be done
Bringing heritage into schools can boost SA’s literacy efforts
Stories from our rich heritage provide teachers with an affordable, accessible way to improve literacy levels, teaching children to read in their home language
Doctors launch digital solution to boost health literacy in South Africa
The digital solution was designed to inform patients, improve healthcare outcomes and protect doctors
Health problems the hidden hurdle behind learners’ reading difficulties
Limpopo consistently ranks as one of the provinces with the lowest reading outcomes in Sepedi
Why books are still vital for literacy and learning
Hundreds of thousands of children don’t have access to the internet and need physical resources, such as dictionaries, to further their education
Books are still vital for literacy and learning
Hundreds of thousands of children don’t have access to the internet and need physical resources, such as dictionaries, to further their education
Education needs to prepare youngsters holistically for the future
Learners must be given a breadth of skills, beyond literacy and numeracy, to prepare them for an ever-changing world
A poverty of literacy: 5 steps to address the reading crisis
These practices could make an immediate difference by providing literacy teaching that enriches the literacy lives of children
Forget handouts and empty initiatives; give the youth a space to share their voice
Higher education remains out of reach for many, and youth unemployment remains untenably high at about 64%.