The COVID19 pandemic has had a significant impact on the reading literacy levels of learners in South Africa. In a recent media briefing, Minister of Basic Education Angie Motshekga addressed the issue after the release of the Progress in International Reading Literacy Study (PIRLS). The results of this study placed South African learners at the bottom of 50 participating countries in terms of reading ability.
The National Reading Barometer (NRB) by Nal’ibali has revealed alarming statistics about children’s literacy levels in South Africa. A survey conducted between late 2022 and early 2023 showed that twothirds of South African children below 10 years old do not own a single children’s book. In this article, we will explore the reasons behind this literacy crisis and suggest potential solutions.
