Johannesburg, South Africa, 16 August 2024 – In a significant move towards addressing South Africa’s reading crisis, the 2030 Reading Panel convenes today at the Kievits Kroon Gauteng Wine Estate for its second annual meeting of the year. This unprecedented decision to hold an additional meeting underscores the panel’s commitment to urgent action in light of the newly established Government of National Unity and the recent appointment of the new Minister of Education, Siviwe Makaluza.

A New Focus on Teachers and Systemic Change

With 81% of South African 10-year-olds unable to read for meaning, this year’s panel discussion is critical. The focus will be on actionable strategies for improving reading outcomes in the Foundation Phase and addressing the current challenges in initial teacher education. Minister Gwarube, who will deliver the keynote address, is expected to address her new priority areas and collaborations aimed at revitalizing South Africa's education sector. The minister’s participation marks a departure from previous administration's engagement levels, signaling a potential shift in governmental priorities.

Key Discussions and Provincial Engagements

The panel will feature discussions led by prominent educational experts and government officials, including Dr. Nwabisa Makaluza of RESEP, who will present evidence-based strategies for improving reading in the Foundation Phase from both local and global perspectives. A high-level panel discussion chaired by Noncedo Madubedube will also delve into the practicalities of rolling out reading interventions at scale, featuring MECs from Gauteng, Limpopo, and North West.

A critical session will explore the challenges and opportunities in teacher education, led by Dr. Nick Taylor (JET) and renowned academic from Rhodes University, North-West University, and the University of Fort Hare. The session will culminate in a discussion on the next steps necessary to develop high-quality teachers capable of ensuring all learners can read for meaning, chaired by Judy Sikuza.

A National Crisis in the Spotlight

As South Africa grapples with the reality that it could take 86 years to reach the target of 95% of children reading for meaning at the current trajectory, the urgency of today’s meeting cannot be overstated. The panel’s efforts are driven by the recognition that systemic change is necessary and possible, with the right level of engagement from both the public and private sectors.

Minister Gwarube’s presence at the meeting is seen as a beacon of hope, reflecting a renewed government focus on achieving the goals set by the NDP of all learners reading for meaning by 2030. The panel’s recommendations, including a national plan to address reading, universal standardized assessment of reading, meaningful budget allocations for reading resources, and an audit of pre-service teacher education programs, remain central to the ongoing discourse.

Media Access and Future Engagements

Today’s meeting is a closed session, with outcomes and key insights to be shared in a detailed post-event release. The Reading Panel will continue its work to ensure that every South African child can read for meaning by age 10 by 2030, with ongoing engagements planned throughout the year to monitor progress and advocate for the necessary systemic changes.

The report can be accessed via this LINK

For further information or media inquiries and interview requests, please contact JT Comms on media@jtcomms.co.za or call 011 788 7632

Issued by JT Communication Solutions on Behalf of Reading Panel – www.readingpanel.co.za