The 2030 Reading Panel's 2026 report reveals that reading levels for South African children are still at crisis point. The report released yesterday, reveals that only 30% of learners in grades 1 to 3 are reading at grade level in their home language. In some languages, up to 25% of Grade 3 learners cannot read a single word, while 15% scored zero in reading assessments. Sakina Kamwendo spoke to report author Sipumelele Lucwaba

The 2030 Reading Panel's 2026 report reveals that reading levels for South African children are still at crisis point. The report released yesterday, reveals that only 30% of learners in grades 1 to 3 are reading at grade level in their home language. In some languages, up to 25% of Grade 3 learners cannot read a single word, while 15% scored zero in reading assessments. Sakina Kamwendo spoke to report author Sipumelele Lucwaba

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Sipumelele Lucwaba: Only 30% of early graders read at level.

The National Consumer Commission has launched an investigation into nine sanitary pad suppliers. This comes after a University of the Free State study found harmful endocrine-disrupting chemicals, including parabens, phthalates, and bisphenols, in some pads and panty liners. The study found these endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs) are linked to health complications such as hormonal imbalance, infertility, endometriosis, and cancer, affecting millions of South African women and girls monthly. Sakina Kamwendo spoke to the Divisional Head of Complaints and Investigations at the National Consumer Commission, Prudence Moilwa. 

The National Consumer Commission has launched an investigation into nine sanitary pad suppliers. This comes after a University of the Free State study found harmful endocrine-disrupting chemicals, including parabens, phthalates, and bisphenols, in some pads and panty liners. The study found these endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs) are linked to health complications such as hormonal imbalance, infertility, endometriosis, and cancer, affecting millions of South African women and girls monthly. Sakina Kamwendo spoke to the Divisional Head of Complaints and Investigations at the National Consumer Commission, Prudence Moilwa.&nbsp;

Prudence Moiloa: No sanitary recall yet

A boost in tax revenue has given the National Treasury room to offer the first inflation-linked tax relief since the 2023/24 financial year. Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana says revenue for the current financial year is projected to come in higher than previously forecast. This has been supported by stronger VAT collections and higher platinum and gold prices. Tabling the 2026 budget in Parliament in Cape Town, Godongwana says the improvement  revenue collections has allowed government to scrap 20 billion rand in planned tax increases. Sakina Kamwendo spoke to Chief economist at the Bureau for Economic Research (BER) Lisette Ijssel de Schepper 

A boost in tax revenue has given the National Treasury room to offer the first inflation-linked tax relief since the 2023/24 financial year. Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana says revenue for the current financial year is projected to come in higher than previously forecast. This has been supported by stronger VAT collections and higher platinum and gold prices. Tabling the 2026 budget in Parliament in Cape Town, Godongwana says the improvement &nbsp;revenue collections has allowed government to scrap 20 billion rand in planned tax increases. Sakina Kamwendo spoke to Chief economist at the Bureau for Economic Research (BER) Lisette Ijssel de Schepper&nbsp;

Lisette IJssel de Schepper: Economy slightly better, not turning point.

The National Lotteries Commission has announced that funding allocated in the 2025/26 financial year has created or retained 1,303 jobs and supported nearly 10,000 beneficiaries across South Africa. Most of the jobs were held by women and youth in community-based organisations. The NLC also reports improved compliance among funded organisations. Funded projects focused on skills training, arts, sports, and social support services. The initiatives were mainly in Mpumalanga, Free State, North West and Limpopo. Elvis Presslin spoke to National Lotteries Commission's Commissioner Jody Scholtz

The National Lotteries Commission has announced that funding allocated in the 2025/26 financial year has created or retained 1,303 jobs and supported nearly 10,000 beneficiaries across South Africa. Most of the jobs were held by women and youth in community-based organisations. The NLC also reports improved compliance among funded organisations. Funded projects focused on skills training, arts, sports, and social support services. The initiatives were mainly in Mpumalanga, Free State, North West and Limpopo. Elvis Presslin spoke to National Lotteries Commission's Commissioner Jody Scholtz

Sipumelele Lucwaba: Only 30% of early graders read at level.

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