Johannesburg – The Motor Industry Staff Association (MISA), is calling on parents, communities and workplaces to prioritise reading for enjoyment to strengthen literacy and secure the nation’s future.
The statistics are sobering.
According to the 2030 Reading Panel, 81% of children between Grades 1 and 4 struggle to read with understanding.
More than 30% of learners do not know the basic alphabet by the end of Grade 2, leaving them permanently trapped in “catch-up” mode.
While children in wealthier schools often succeed, the overwhelming majority in poorer, rural and township schools fall behind.
This is not just an educational problem; it is a social and economic emergency. Without literacy, academic success is limited, work opportunities shrink, and poverty deepens.
For Literacy Month, MISAtv sat down with Nal’ibali, an organisation dedicated to promoting reading for fun and inspiring children aged 0–12 to love stories in all South African languages.
Nal’ibali’s Monitoring and Evaluation Officer, Tshandapiwa Tshuma, said that literacy begins long before school.
“We at Nal’ibali do not believe that literacy development begins at Grade 4; it does not begin when a child goes to school; it begins at home,” Tshuma said.
“So even if the adults are reading but not reading with their children or reading for their children, we will remain with a problem.”
Research by the National Library of South Africa shows that 63% of homes do not have books, and only 58% of adults can access a library. This makes workplace initiatives vital.
Employers can provide book packs, create reading corners, and encourage workers to borrow and share books.
Language is also central.
Seventy-six percent of African language speakers want to read in their mother tongue, yet access remains limited.
Promoting multilingualism and mother-tongue stories builds confidence, preserves culture, and ensures children read with understanding.
Martlé Keyter, MISA’s Chief Executive Officer: Operations, said a literate nation is an empowered nation.
“If we fail to close the literacy gap, we cannot hope to tackle inequality, poverty and unemployment in a meaningful way,” said Keyter.
“Reading is the foundation of education and education is the foundation of economic growth.”
Together, we can build a culture of reading that empowers children, strengthens families, and secures South Africa’s future.
Link to the latest MISAtv interview below:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YKZSiNR-o9g
