Illiteracy in South Africa: Some preventive policies and strategies from a developmental perspective

Literacy plays an important role in the development process and is a mechanism to empower the poor. Illiteracy has reached unacceptably high levels in South Africa. Functional literacy implies more than the ability to read and write in a particular language. To embark on literacy programmes for adults is a valid strategy to combat illiteracy but this approach will only treat the symptoms. 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.