Discussion: National Urgency to Transform Early-Grade Reading

Loading player...
Johannesburg, 25 February 2025 - Just weeks after President Cyril Ramaphosa’s State of
the Nation Address (SONA), where he reaffirmed the government’s commitment to
“ensuring that every child can read for meaning in the foundation phase,” a new report
has been released by the 2030 Reading Panel. The 2025 report, released today in
Johannesburg, provides critical insights into the country’s progress in transforming
early-grade reading. One of the key findings of the report is that 80% of Grade 3 learners
cannot read for meaning in any language as measured by the South African systemic
assessment. Phemelo is joined in studio by Equal Education General Secretary
Noncedo Madubedube to unpack the findings and recommendations of the report
25 Feb 2025 3PM English South Africa Education · Careers

Other recent episodes

Legal Matters: Expropriation, contract clauses and detainees’ rights

This week on Legal Matters, Nthabiseng Dubazana broke down key legal issues, including how courts interpret contract clauses, when expropriation may be unlawful, and whether detainees can use Kindle e-readers to prepare for trial. She also tackled listeners’ legal questions and offered practical insights into navigating complex legal challenges.
3 Jun 3PM 25 min

Western Cape learner admissions row sparks heated parliamentary debate

Allegations of racial profiling in Western Cape school admissions came under the spotlight in Parliament, with lawmakers demanding accountability following a court ruling that found parts of the province’s admissions system unconstitutional. While Education MEC David Maynier dismissed the scrutiny as politically motivated, critics argue the system unfairly disadvantages black,…
3 Jun 3PM 11 min

SIU uncovers bursary scandal in Free State Premier’s Office

A probe by the SIU has revealed that millions of rand in Free State bursary funds were allegedly awarded to officials’ relatives, deceased individuals, foreign nationals and other ineligible beneficiaries. The investigation also found irregular expenditure and unaccounted-for funds sitting in university accounts, raising serious concerns about how money meant…
3 Jun 3PM 14 min

International stories making headlines

From developments involving the US and Mexico to tensions in the Middle East and the latest from Russia, Phemelo unpacks the biggest global stories shaping the news agenda with global affairs specialist, Dr Terence McNamee.
2 Jun 4PM 26 min

Tshwane eyes investment boost through human settlements summit

The City of Tshwane hosted a Human Settlements Symposium aimed at attracting investment, accelerating housing development and driving spatial transformation. Phemelo speaks to MMC for Human Settlements Aaron Maluleka about the city’s plans to reshape communities and unlock growth.
2 Jun 4PM 11 min