Mark RH Kleinschmidt, Ward 60 councillor
While we bask in the glory and celebrate, we must acknowledge that our literacy rate is alarmingly a cause for concern in South Africa.
Media sources report that: “Shortcomings in the formal education system, poverty and lack of government commitment are some of the main causes of this problem in South Africa, which calls for a comprehensive approach such as the introduction of a primary school support programme to help remedy the situation.” (Source: Department of Higher Education – Adult Literacy Fact Sheet)
There is a distinct need to galvanise primary education inter alia Early Childhood Development Centres, Grade R’s and the foundation phase in our primary schools.
Kudos to the matriculants of the Class of 2023 on an 82.9% pass rate, and well done to our esteemed teachers.