The 81% crisis: Why early literacy and numeracy skills cannot wait

South Africa’s matric class of 2025 achieved a historic 88% pass rate, the highest ever recorded. Yet beneath this milestone lies a stark truth: many pupils who begin school never make it to that finish line. 2018 research suggests that by the time students reach Grade 12, barely half of the age-cohort remain enrolled, underscoring a persistent literacy and numeracy gap that, in 2021, saw 81% of our Grade 4 students unable to read for meaning in any of the official languages.

And, the implications of insubstantial foundational skills stretch far beyond the classroom. According to Statistics SA, the official unemployment rate is sitting at around 32.9%, and young people are especially vulnerable, with unemployment among 15- to 34-year-olds climbing above 46%. Even among those who do complete matric, nearly half remain unemployed, a reality that reflects a glaring mismatch between basic schooling outcomes and the needs of the modern economy.

All of this amplifies the argument for strong early literacy and numeracy. These skills are not just academic benchmarks. They are the building blocks of critical thinking, problem-solving, and future-ready competencies that students carry with them into every subject, career pathway, and life challenge. Without firm foundations in reading, writing, and number sense, pupils struggle to grasp complex concepts in STEAM subjects (science, technology, engineering, art, and maths), diminishing their confidence and narrowing opportunities.

Strong numeracy and literacy in the foundation phase are the roots from which all future learning grows. When children learn to enjoy language and numbers early, they are more likely to engage deeply with STEAM subjects later on.

Research shows that numeracy goes well beyond rote counting. Students who interact with numbers through hands-on activities like patterns, shapes, and problem games build a deeper understanding of mathematical thinking. This gives them a head start in subjects that are key to success in an economy increasingly driven by data and technology.

The urgency for change is also fuelled by global shifts in the skills landscape. Employers today are seeking workers who are not only literate and numerate but also capable of adapting to new technologies, thinking creatively, and solving novel problems. Coding, robotics, and digital literacy are no longer niche skills for a few; they are core competencies that underpin careers in virtually every industry.

Foundation phase education must rise to meet this moment. We have to shift our thinking about early schooling. It is not preparation for later learning. It is learning, and it must include experiences that build confidence, curiosity, and resilience. This includes embracing numeracy and literacy in developmentally appropriate ways from the earliest years.

For parents watching the education landscape with concern, early engagement is necessary as choosing a school that values foundational skills and future-focused learning gives students a powerful start.

In a country where too many students leave school unprepared for life beyond the classroom, strengthening numeracy and literacy in the earliest years is not an optional enhancement. It is a necessity. Strong foundations give students the tools they need to thrive in school, to navigate the evolving demands of the workplace, and to build meaningful futures.

(Pretorius is the Director of Academics at Centennial Schools. Her views do not necessarily reflect those of the Sunday Tribune or IOL)

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