Despite the power of reading to unlock knowledge and opportunity, SA continues to face a national literacy crisis.
A team of journalists from The Herald, Daily Dispatch and Sowetan dive into the challenges behind the statistics — from under-resourced schools and language barriers to the impact of poverty and technology.
We also highlight the efforts of educators, communities, and reading champions working to turn the tide.
Can SA build a culture of reading for all?
UNDERSTANDING SA'S READING LANDSCAPE
“It’s obviously an inequality issue which is something we know in SA but it’s something that was very, very glaring in the work that we’ve done. But [we are] also reflecting on schools that have done well and what is it that they are doing and implementing to counter that and using those as case studies, perhaps, in finding solutions.”
— Rochelle de Kock, The Herald editor
NEWS
OPINION
“Investment in improving literacy in the foundation years must be a national priority. This must go beyond broad declarations of intent and be visible in evidence-based planning aligned to realistic assessments of resource needs.”
— Mary Metcalfe, University of Johannesburg education expert
BEYOND THE PAGE
A nation at the crossroads of literacy
This special report into the state of literacy, a collaborative effort by The Herald, Sowetan and Daily Dispatch, was made possible by the Henry Nxumalo Foundation
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