JOHANNESBURG - It's International Literacy Day, a global reminder of how vital reading and writing are.
It goes beyond education, giving dignity, opportunity, and social justice.
A recent report shows that in 2021, 81 percent of Grade 4 learners couldn't read for understanding in any language.
Research shows that one of the most powerful solutions is reading in your mother tongue.
Children taught this way are 30 percent more likely to understand what they read.
Experts say even five minutes of daily reading at home could help turn the tide.
We discuss this with Dr Zelda Barends from Stellenbosch University's Department of Curriculum Studies.