Unlocking Literacy: Why Reading in Your Mother Tongue Could Change Everything

Did you know that children in Africa who learn to read in their home language are 30% more likely to achieve reading comprehension by high school? According to UNESCO, this is a game-changing statistic for South Africa, where 81% of Grade 4 learners still cannot read for meaning.

That’s not a typo. Eight out of ten children are already falling behind by the age of ten — and the gap only widens as they progress through school. By Grade 6, nearly 70% remain below the expected reading level, even in the language of learning and teaching (usually English or Afrikaans).

“This is not just a reading problem, it is an educational emergency,” warned Basic Education Minister Siviwe Gwarube at a recent national dialogue.

Why Reading Is the Foundation for Everything

Educational psychologist Seago Maapola explains the knock-on effect clearly:

“An inability to read for meaning affects every subject in the curriculum, impacts academic performance, and eventually amplifies societal inequalities.”

The 2030 Reading Panel agrees, calling literacy “one of the hallmarks of personal development required for economic progress.” In other words, without basic reading skills, children are locked out of opportunity.

Why Mother Tongue Learning Matters

The solution, many experts argue, lies in language. When children first learn to read in their mother tongue, comprehension comes faster and confidence grows stronger.

“Doing this in their home language affirms cultural identity,” says Maapola. “When a child reads in their mother tongue, they’re not just learning words — they’re learning who they are.”

Early Intervention Is Key

Unfortunately, many children don’t have access to quality early learning. The SA Early Childhood Review 2024 reports that 1.15 million children aged 3–5 aren’t enrolled in structured early education. Of those who are, fewer than half are meeting basic developmental milestones, according to the Thrive by Five Index.

The lack of books is also a barrier: the ECD Census 2021 found that only 61% of early learning centres had at least 10 children’s books. Without access to stories — especially in home languages — many children fall behind before they even enter primary school.

Corporate & Community Solutions

This is where partnerships are making a difference. Since 2022, Wimpy, in partnership with children’s publisher Ethnikids, has created and distributed multilingual storybooks and folktales to ignite a love for reading.

This Literacy Month, their Read with Wimpy campaign is teaming up with Ladles of Love to donate 6 000 multilingual, multicultural books to under-resourced early learning centres across Gauteng, Northern Cape, and Western Cape.

“It was through our children’s campaigns that we realised the severity of the literacy crisis,” says Jodi Law, Wimpy Brand Manager. “We saw the need for relatable books written in children’s home languages.”

Everyone Has a Role to Play

While NGOs and brands can help, Maapola insists literacy change requires a collective effort:

“There is a shared responsibility to ensure children are encouraged to read. Even five minutes a day, preferably in their home language, can open the door to improved comprehension.”

Reading isn’t just an academic skill — it’s a bridge to dignity, opportunity, and equality. And with eight out of ten children still struggling, there has never been a more urgent time to unlock literacy in the language that matters most: their own.