Shocking Cape literacy rates

by Danika Marquis

More than half of grade 6 children in the Cape are still unable to read and write well enough to pass this year. A recent report compiled by the Provincial Department of Education states that the literacy figure of grade 6 pupils is only 42%. And figures for maths proficiency are far worse, where only a third of students are able to pass. MEC of Education Cameron Dugmore says that the poor literacy and numeracy rates are directly linked to poverty, with only 0.2% of children from formerly disadvantaged communities achieving required maths results. It is believed this is because most qualified math teachers are leaving the township schools to seek more money in the private sector. However, despite these bleak statistics, the literacy rate has still increased by 7% since 2003. And the Department of Education is determined to provide more support to schools, but also hold to them more accountable in upcoming years.