Literacy Month: Reading inequality remains entrenched across South Africa

During National Literacy Month and International Literacy Day in September 2026, it was highlighted that many South Africans still face literacy challenges, especially children struggling with basic reading skills. Statistics South Africa's analysis indicates that while high-illiteracy clusters have decreased since 1996, areas like northeastern KwaZulu-Natal and parts of the Eastern Cape remain hotspots. Conversely, Gauteng and the Western Cape continue to have strong clusters of low adult illiteracy, but regional disparities remain significant.