NHLANGANO — Eswatini is being called upon to prioritise digital literacy as part of its national education strategy, as stakeholders, including Sebenta National Institution marking the International Literacy Day 2025 at the Nhlangano Park yesterday.
The move comes after a recent Multiple Indicator Cluster Survey revealed that only 16% of grade 2 and 3 learners have foundational reading skills and just 8% possess basic numeracy, highlighting urgent gaps in early education.
Sebenta National Institute CEO, Thembinkosi Mamba, explained that literacy now extends beyond reading and writing to include safe and effective use of digital tools, as the country seeks to equip youth and adults with skills needed in the modern information age.
While Eswatini boasts a national literacy rate of 89.3%, the survey exposed a critical shortfall in foundational skills for young learners. Regional Secretary Bheki Tfwala, Regional Administrator stand-in, also noted that these low levels of early literacy and numeracy pose challenges to broader development efforts.
“These figures highlight the need for intentional efforts in ensuring that everyone can read, write and use digital tools safely and appropriately,” he said.
The shift toward digital literacy also aligns with global trends. UNESCO studies show that three in four children in developing countries cannot read and understand a simple text by age 10, a statistic that underscores the urgency of reform in Eswatini’s early education system.
In response to the low digital literacy rates, the Sebenta National Institute is to be transformed into a Centre for Continued Education and Training, reflecting a philosophy of lifelong learning.
“We believe that people learn from the ‘cradle to the grave,’” Mamba said. “Education and training must not be limited by space or time.”
The Institute’s new approach includes vocational skills training and community-based learning, allowing learners to choose programs that meet local needs while also improving access to digital literacy.
The event concluded with a call for national partnership to strengthen literacy initiatives, echoing Sebenta’s slogan: “literacy yimphi yemfundvo yawonkhe wonkhe”, Literacy is a fight for the education of everyone. Officials stressed that combining traditional literacy with digital skills is essential for empowering youth, adults, and communities to thrive in a rapidly changing technological landscape.
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