President Cyril Ramaphosa
JOHANNESBURG - President Cyril Ramaphosa has called for an urgent boost in early literacy and mathematics.
Ramaphosa was addressing the Basic Education Lekgotla in Benoni on Wednesday.
There was an alarm after the pass rate in subjects like mathematics dropped in the 2025 National Senior Certificate examination results.
“Strengthening early grade reading and numeracy is a national priority and moral imperative,” Ramaphosa said.
“When children do not learn to read for meaning or to work confidently with numbers by the end of the Foundation Phase, the cost is borne by the entire education system.”
He said government was working to ensure that every classroom was supported by a coherent curriculum and well-trained teachers.
“By investing in foundational learning, we are building a resilient education system that can sustain learning, adapt to shocks and equip every child with the skills needed to thrive in a rapidly changing world.”
On Tuesday, Basic Education Minister Siviwe Gwarube told attendees at the Lekgotla that South Africa was at a critical point as eight out of 10 grade 4 pupils cannot read for meaning.