South Africa is facing a profound literacy crisis. According to PIRLS 2021, 81% of Grade 4 learners cannot read for meaning in any language. By the time children are expected to move from learning to read to reading to learn, the majority are already behind. This is a systemic failure that denies millions of children the substance of their right to basic education.
The crisis begins in the early years, where many learners do not develop basic reading skills and fall further behind as they progress through school. Without the ability to read for meaning, learners struggle across all subjects, with the greatest impact felt in under resourced schools. The Right to Read campaign calls for clear, binding national standards to ensure every child has the support to learn to read, including time for reading, trained teachers, access to materials, and regular assessment.
