The Literacy Challenge in South Africa
South Africa has made impressive progress in literacy and education, but adult illiteracy continues to be a serious challenge.
In 2022, 10.2% of adults nationwide were still illiterate, representing almost 3.9 million people who had not completed Grade 7. While this is a marked improvement over the past decade, the number remains alarmingly high.
Illiteracy is not just a personal disadvantage—it creates ripple effects across society. Adults who cannot read or write face barriers to employment, struggle to access healthcare, and often find it difficult to fully participate in their communities. These limitations can also pass on to the next generation, perpetuating cycles of inequality.
North West Province: A Closer Literacy Look
Although provinces like Gauteng and Western Cape record illiteracy levels below the national average, the North West province continues to face the highest illiteracy rate in South Africa. In fact, in 2022, 16.6% of adults in North West had not completed basic schooling.
Moreover, this provincial reality is far more than a statistic—it directly shapes daily life. As a result of high illiteracy, many communities struggle with unemployment, which in turn fuels poverty and social instability. Consequently, these interconnected challenges place additional pressure on families and weaken community resilience.
Therefore, the situation underscores an urgent need for continued Adult Basic Education and Training (ABET) programmes, along with stronger community support structures. By expanding access to education and creating opportunities for lifelong learning, North West can gradually break the cycle of disadvantage and move toward a more stable and empowered society.
Read the full fact sheet HERE.
Linking Education and Security
At RPS Security, we see education and security as inseparable. Communities thrive when citizens gain knowledge and live in safe environments. Illiteracy makes people vulnerable, and that vulnerability often increases their risk of crime and exploitation.
For this reason, just as the education system sets standards to uplift society, the security industry enforces its own safeguards. We ensure that those entrusted with protection meet strict professional criteria and operate with integrity.
Every RPS Security guard is registered with the Private Security Industry Regulatory Authority (PSiRA). This registration is more than just paperwork—it’s a guarantee of professionalism, transparency, and trust.
To qualify, each guard must:
- Be 18 years or older and a permanent resident of South Africa.
- Have no record of serious criminal offences.
- Complete accredited training at a recognised centre.
- Be cleared of any current or past ties to military, police, or intelligence agencies without proper certification.
- Pay the required registration fees to PSiRA.
This ensures that our team is not only trained but also compliant with the highest industry standards. Just as literacy empowers individuals, PSiRA registration empowers communities to trust their protectors.
Are you thinking about registering as a security guard: Follow THIS LINK.
The Way Forward
Addressing adult illiteracy in the North West requires targeted, community-based initiatives. Community Education and Training (CET) colleges have been tasked with delivering Adult Basic Education and Training (ABET) programmes, but much more needs to be done.
Literacy is not just about letters on a page—it’s about empowerment, employability, and participation in society.
Breaking the cycle will demand sustained investment, creative outreach, and a culture of lifelong learning. If we succeed, we will not only uplift individuals but also strengthen families, communities, and the economy as a whole.
A Shared Mission: Empowerment and Safety
Tackling illiteracy and ensuring security may seem like separate issues, but both serve the same greater mission: building stronger, safer, and more resilient communities. When adults gain literacy skills, they unlock opportunities. When guards are registered and compliant, they provide assurance and protection.
At RPS Security, we stand firmly in both spaces—championing professionalism in security while recognising the broader social challenges that shape the communities we serve.
Education opens doors. Security keeps them safe. Together, they build the future.
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