By OBAKENG MAJE
17 April 2025- The government said it welcomes the recent findings by Intelpoint’s Research, which rank South Africa as the second most literate country on the African continent, with an adult literacy rate of 95%. This research is based on the percentage of the population aged 15 years and older who are able to read and write.
The acting GCIS spokesperson, Nomonde Mnukwa said this remarkable achievement stands as a testament to the effectiveness of the government’s progressive education policies and programmes, implemented since the advent of democracy in 1994. Mnukwa said it reflects a significant and sustained reduction in adult illiteracy, underscoring the success of ongoing efforts to broaden access to quality education for all South Africans.
“A range of education initiatives led by government since the first democratic government administration until the 6th administration, have contributed to these gains. These initiatives are underpinned by strategies focused on teacher development, access to quality learning materials, and cultivating a culture of reading from an early age.
“In the 7th administration, government continues to prioritise literacy development in the foundational years of education. Our Early Childhood Development (ECD) programmes have been strengthened through the adoption of international best practices, improving school readiness among young children,” she said.
Mnukwa further said government takes pride in this achievement, and is committed to addressing remaining gaps and accelerating efforts toward achieving universal literacy. She added that they take this opportunity express appreciation to the hard work of the previous Ministers of Education, including the longest serving Minister of Basic Education, Angie Motshekga.
“We extend best wishes to the current Minister of Basic Education, Siviwe Gwarube, in continuing with the implementation of measures to improve foundational education and the expansion of teaching in indigenous/ home languages.
The Guardian 