The Education Sector Committee of the South African National Commission (SANATCOM) for UNESCO observed International Literacy Day on 30 September 2025. In her opening remarks, Mrs Palesa Tyobeka, Chairperson of the Education Sector Committee highlighted the importance of the event's theme that focuses on the challenges and opportunities presented by digital literacy, particularly for underserved communities.
Professor Jacqueline Batchelor, Vice Dean for Teaching and Learning, University of Johannesburg, delivered the keynote address on The Evolving Role of Literacy in a Digital World. She started her address by exploring the relationship between traditional literacy and digital literacy, noting that foundational skills are essential for engaging with digital technologies. She identified key components of digital literacies such as workforce readiness, social inclusion, and safety, while stressing the need for critical thinking in navigating these new challenges. Professor Batchelor also addressed the multifaceted impact of illiteracy on the world's population, noting that it affects education and knowledge, health and well-being, and social and cultural factors. She pointed out that 2.6 billion people globally are completely offline, which exacerbates the challenges faced by marginalised communities.
Dr Brian Ramadiro from the Nelson Mandela Institute for Education and Rural Development, University of Ford Hare, moderated a thought-provoking panel discussion on Building digital bridges for real-world solutions to the divide:
DBE’s Director for Reading, Library and Information Services, Dr Nompumelelo Mohohlwane, outlined the DBE's Literacy Framework which prioritises teacher development, appropriate learning materials, and community engagement to enhance literacy in African languages. The new digital strategy, published in 2024, aims to shift classrooms towards a blended learning model while introducing digital literacy subjects in high school, such as electrical technology and computer application technologies.
Ms Estelle Roos, a blind graduate from Pretoria confirmed that access remains a major barrier for people with disabilities. While she has had access to the NonVisual Desktop Access (NVDA) speech software which is a free, open-source valuable tool for the visually impaired, many in situations such as hers are not aware of it. Ms Roos further added: “More such programmes are required. Backline developers should consider accessibility and inclusivity when developing applications for education programmes. It is critical for textbooks and resources to be accessible online and in multiple formats to ensure inclusive access”.
Ms Omashani Naidoo, Executive Director for SchoolNet SA, added to Ms Roos’s input and emphasised that while access to devices and data is crucial, the relevance of digital content and contextual literature is important for bridging the digital divide. She also emphasised the need to demonstrate how ICT can address real-world challenges. She stressed the need for educators to manage technology use and ensure that children's digital literacy skills align with the demands of higher education and the workforce. “Educators should provide techniques for research and cognitive abilities to be developed in the classroom, along with independent thinking and blended learning. South Africans must become economic agents of themselves and active citizenship”.
Mr Matsetsebale Tleane, Managing Director, Agape Youth Movement, spoke about the importance of youth participation and agency, along with safe navigation on digital platforms. He cited the importance of the DBE’s Integrated Online Safety Training Workshops on the integration of the Curriculum Guideline into the Life Orientation curriculum, along with the Representative Council of Learners (RCL) Hub for online orientation of their roles and responsibilities.
Ms Lungile Moleko from the Education Sector Committee and CEO of Project Literacy, in her message on behalf of the ESC, spoke to the dual challenge of ensuring access to digital technologies and acquiring skills to contribute meaningfully whilst crossing the digital divide: “A multisectoral effort is required to close this gap.” She agreed with the panel members on a blended approach, along with lifelong learning, adding that technology must be leveraged to democratise education.
Dr Julie Reddy, Deputy Chairperson of SANATCOM, placed a strong emphasis on the human-rights approach of inclusivity, data privacy, user rights, fairness and transparency in respect of digital literacy. "These Do no harm principles must onboard people and empower them as cocreators of technology. It is also important to develop contextual narratives that are SA specific.”
In closing the seminar, Mrs Tyobeka expressed her gratitude towards the participants, representing various voices from policy development, youth development, educators, sector partners to inclusive education stakeholders. “Each of us have a role to play in our ongoing collaborative efforts to set ourselves up for success and renewed commitment towards digital literacy. She added that the ESC's last activity for 2025 will be a Teacher Conversation on 10 November 2025, with a focus on AI.