Neelam Rahim | neelam@radioislam.co.za

3-minute read
29 January 2025 | 10:33 CAT

A young learner engages with the Ngiyaqonda app, a CSIR initiative aimed at improving home language literacy through interactive speech and text technology. (Image – Wirestock)

A recent international study has sent shockwaves through South Africa’s education sector, revealing that more than eight out of ten Grade 4 learners cannot read for basic meaning in their home language. This latest report has reignited concerns over the country’s ongoing literacy crisis, with experts warning that the situation has far-reaching consequences.

The issue of language proficiency is also at the centre of the debate. Gone are the days where the assumption is that you have to know English or French to make industrial progress. Countries like Japan, Korea, and Germany have thrived using their home languages. The focus should be on reading for meaning and applying knowledge, not just learning English.

In an effort to tackle the crisis, the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) has launched the ‘Ngiyaqonda’ project, meaning ‘I understand’ in isiZulu. This research and development initiative leverages speech and text technology to enhance home language literacy. The project aims to equip learners with tools to improve their reading comprehension and language proficiency.

Speaking to Radio Islam International, Senior Researcher from CSIR, Dr Lorette Marais explained the initiative’s significance: “We have an extremely high dropout rate in South Africa, and it’s difficult not to conclude that this is significantly due to the literacy crisis. Children struggle to read in their home language, and by Grade 4, they are expected to learn in English, creating an almost impossible catch-up game for educators.”

The Ngiyaqonda project is supported by the Department of Sport, Arts, and Culture and incorporates artifacts from previous research initiatives. It functions as an interactive application that allows children to engage with text and speech in their home language while gradually building proficiency in English. “It provides learners with a dynamic interface where they can listen to speech, respond to texts, and receive automatic feedback on their progress,” said Dr Marais.

The project has already been piloted among Grade 3 learners in Mamelodi and Soweto, yielding promising results. “Teachers who have used the application report positive experiences, and learners are engaging well with the platform,” Dr Marais confirmed. However, accessibility remains a challenge, as many learners lack access to digital devices and stable internet connections.

To address this issue, the CSIR is exploring ways to make the application less dependent on internet access. “Technology is costly, but it is still more scalable and cost-effective than training new teachers. We are working towards moving some functionalities offline to ensure that learners in underprivileged areas can benefit,” Dr Marais explained.

Looking ahead, the CSIR plans to expand the project by incorporating more indigenous languages and making the application freely available on the Play Store. “Our goal is to create an equitable solution that serves all South African learners. We hope to see meaningful progress in the coming months,” Dr Marais stated.

With South Africa’s literacy crisis showing no signs of abating, initiatives like Ngiyaqonda offer a glimmer of hope. However, experts stress that a multi-stakeholder approach—including government, educators, and the private sector—is essential to ensuring sustainable improvements in literacy levels across the country.

Listen to the full interview on The Daily Round Up with Moulana Junaid Kharsany and Dr Laurette Marais here.