South Africa Ranks Last in International Study on Reading Literacy

South Africa Ranks Last in International Study on Reading Literacy

A global study found that 8 out of 10 South African school children struggle with reading by the age of ten, making South Africa the lowest-ranking country out of 57 assessed. Illiteracy among South African children has increased from 78% in 2016 to 81%, with the country's education minister attributing the results partly to school closures during the Covid-19 pandemic.

The study highlighted historical challenges in South Africa's education system, including poverty, inequality, and inadequate infrastructure, which contribute to the low reading proficiency. South Africa's struggles with education have deep roots, with the legacy of apartheid contributing to significant inequality between black and white students.

What do you think should be the key priorities for improving literacy rates among South African school children and addressing the challenges in the education system?