The BIG issue
81% of South African children cannot read for meaning by the age of 10
The ability to read and write is one of the hallmarks of personal development required for economic progress, political-participation and self-expression. According to the nationally-representative 2021 Progress in International Reading Literacy Study (PIRLS), 81% of grade 4 learners could not read for meaning in any language. Although there have been some improvements in reading outcomes, at least pre-pandemic, at current rates of progress we will only get to all children reading for meaning in South Africa by the year 2098.
Who we are
Making early grade reading a public and national priority
The 2030 Reading Panel is an independent group of respected South African leaders from civil society, business and former government officials working together to provide long-term, apolitical leadership to address South Africa's pressing reading crisis.The Reading Panel meets annually to assess the progress in reading within the basic education sector and propose actionable recommendations for driving systemic change.
