Libraries and access to books can help strengthen children's literacy

The 2030 Reading Panel's 2026 report featuring findings from the Department of Basic Education's (DBE) Funda Uphumelele National Survey, has revelaed that only 30% of learners in Grades 1–3 are reading at grade level in their home language, while 15% of Grade 3 learners cannot read a single word.  According to the DP World & Motus Community Trust, these findings highlight the urgent need for sustained reading support in children's earliest school years. In helping to address this need, the DP World & Motus Community Trust  opened its 100th library at Katlehong Primary School in Gauteng this week. The Trust says the milestone offers an opportunity to explore how access to books, supported by active reading programmes and community involvement, can help strengthen children's literacy. To discuss this further Bongiwe Zwane spoke to Berenice Francis, Group Executive for Risk, Sustainability and People at Motus Group