South Africa’s education system continues to face a growing literacy crisis.
This is the belief of Caroline Miller, newly appointed foundation phase principal at Centennial Schools in Sunninghill, with experts warning that weak foundational skills in early schooling years could have long-term consequences for learners’ academic success and future employability.
She said, according to a 2023 education report, 81% of Grade 4 learners in South Africa cannot read for meaning in any language. By Grade 6, nearly 70% of learners still struggle to meet grade-level reading expectations, a challenge that extends beyond literacy and affects performance across subjects such as science, technology, engineering, art, and mathematics (Steam).
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Miller said the solution begins not with technology, but with writing. “Writing is not just about putting letters on a page. It is one of the most complex tasks a learner’s brain can perform, co-ordinating intellectual, physical, and emotional systems at the same time.”
She says the act of handwriting helps learners organise thoughts, develop reasoning skills, and express ideas clearly. Cognitive processes that form the basis of later academic learning long before learners interact with digital devices. While technology plays an important role in modern education, Miller cautions against introducing it too early, without strong literacy foundations.
Young learners who lack core reading and writing skills risk becoming overly dependent on prompts, predictive text, and digital tools, rather than developing independent reasoning abilities. “The messy, deliberate work of handwriting prepares learners to approach problems with independence and clarity. Writing is thinking made visible.”
Research increasingly links handwriting with improved memory, attention, and problem-solving abilities, skills that later support coding, digital literacy, and algorithmic thinking. Beyond academic benefits, writing also plays a significant role in emotional development.
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“When learners express themselves in writing, they are giving themselves a voice. They learn to reflect on their feelings and communicate ideas clearly. These are lifelong skills that help them navigate school, work, and life.”
She said educators argue that strengthening emotional agency early on helps learners build confidence and resilience, qualities often linked to long-term academic success. “This model ensures every child receives meaningful attention and support that addresses both academic and developmental needs. Ultimately, we are equipping students with the confidence and resilience needed to transition smoothly into middle and high school.”
With more than 40 years’ experience in pre-primary and preparatory education, Miller says educators must balance foundational literacy with future digital skills. “Our role as educators is to prepare learners for a world that does not yet exist. That begins with giving them the tools to learn, unlearn, and relearn, and writing is the first step.”
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