70% of SA Early Grade Learners Can’t Read Properly: Is Your Child Falling Behind?

As South Africa marks International Literacy Day on the 8th of September, an alarming new statistic reveals that only 30% of learners in grades one to three are meeting grade-level reading benchmarks in their home language. In this episode of Afternoons with Zweli (with Mantsoe standing in), we examine the root causes of South Africa’s foundation-phase literacy crisis and explore actionable solutions for parents, educators, and policymakers. Our guest, Shaun Fuchs seasoned educator, founder, and CEO of Centennial Schools shares his unique perspective on fixing the education system. He unpacks: Why parents must model reading behaviors at home to make literacy engaging for children. How to strike the right balance between digital technology and traditional teaching methods. Centennial Schools’ innovative model of placing two qualified teachers in every classroom. Whether you are a concerned parent wanting to support your child's reading development or passionate about South African education reform, tune in for expert insights and practical steps to help solve this national crisis. Spend weekday afternoons with Zweli. He keeps you in the loop with everything from music and movies to sport and pop culture.   Hear what the Word on the Street is, test your skills with the high-pressure 6 Out of 6, and get ready to be entertained.    Thank you for listening to an Afternoons with Zweli podcast   Listen live on Primedia+ weekdays from 12:00 to 15:00 (SA Time) to Afternoons with Zweli broadcast on 947 https://www.primediaplus.com/station/947   For more from the show go to https://buff.ly/FeeL6wY or find all the catch-up podcasts here https://buff.ly/pRBikjo   Subscribe to the 947 Weekly Newsletter here https://buff.ly/hf9IuR9   Follow us on social media   947 on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/947Joburg/   947 on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@947joburg   947 on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/947joburg   947 on X https://x.com/947    947 on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@947Joburg  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.