By Lesedi Mkhize

Today, 8 September, the world marks International Literacy Day, a day that puts the spotlight on the importance of reading, writing and access to education.

But for South Africa, the day comes at a time when the country is facing a serious reading crisis, with concerns about how many children are struggling to read and understand what they are reading.

According to READ Educational Trust, 81% of Grade 4 learners in South Africa cannot read for meaning, while only about 30% of children in Grades 1 to 3 are able to read well in their home language.

For communities such as Komati, these figures are a reminder that literacy is not only an issue for schools and teachers. It is something that families and the wider community can play a role in improving.

READ Educational Trust, which celebrates 60 years of literacy advocacy this year, is calling on parents, schools, communities, government, businesses and civil society to work together to address the country’s reading challenges.

What can families do?

Improving literacy does not always require expensive resources. Parents and caregivers can encourage children to read at home, even for a few minutes each day.

Reading storybooks, newspapers, signs, recipes or other age-appropriate material can help children develop their vocabulary and confidence. Parents can also ask children to explain what they have read, helping them move beyond simply recognising words to understanding the meaning behind them.

For younger children, reading in their home language can also play an important role in building strong literacy foundations.

A community effort

International Literacy Day is also an opportunity for communities to think about how they can create more spaces where children can access books, stories and learning opportunities.

Schools, community organisations, libraries, businesses and individuals can all contribute — whether by donating books, supporting reading programmes, volunteering their time or simply encouraging a child to develop a love for reading.

For Komati, where young people remain an important part of the community’s future, strengthening literacy can help give children a stronger foundation for their education and future opportunities.

As READ Educational Trust marks six decades of literacy advocacy, its message is clear: improving reading cannot be left to schools alone. It requires the involvement of the whole community.

This International Literacy Day, parents and residents in Komati can ask a simple question: What can we do to help the children in our community read better?

Sometimes, the answer can start with something as simple as picking up a book and reading together.