Number of pupils who cannot read for meaning increasing - report

JOHANNESBURG - The number of pupils who cannot read for meaning is increasing. That’s according to the 2030 Reading Panel report, which highlights concerns in the basic education sector.

Chaired by Phumzile Mlambo-Ngcuka, the 2030 Reading Panel convened for its annual conference to address the critical issue of literacy in South Africa.

READ | 2030 Reading Panel wants more investment in literacy

The panel comprises 18 distinguished South Africans and aims to ensure that by 2030, all South African children can read for meaning by age 10.

The new report highlights how the Northern Cape, Eastern Cape, Western Cape and Gauteng are the only provinces rolling out province-wide programmes to improve reading.

The panel is recommending that meaningful budgets be allocated to reading resources and interventions.