The Ahmed Kathrada Foundation is proud to announce the continuation and expansion of the Billy and Elsie Nair Learner Support Programme, which officially commenced on 20 September 2025, in preparation of final examinations.
According to the latest PIRLS 2021 report, released in May 2023, 81% of Grade 4 learners in South Africa are unable to read for meaning, with the country ranking last among 57 participating nations. The COVID-19 pandemic has further exacerbated existing learning losses, contributing to a decline in reading outcomes compared to 2016.
This initiative comes at a critical time, when the state of basic education continues to deny many learners a fair chance at quality learning and academic success. Systemic challenges, including inadequate resources, overcrowded classrooms, and a shortage of teaching staff, have entrenched inequality in education. Many learners begin their academic journey already at a disadvantage, with limited opportunities to catch up or excel.
In response, the Ahmed Kathrada Foundation, guided by Kathrada’s Educational Values and a belief that education is a basic human right, has partnered with the Billy and Elsie Nair Foundation to provide targeted academic support to learners. The programme began in 2024 at Lawley Thuto Lefa Secondary School, reaching 200 Grade 11 learners and achieving significant improvements in learner results.
Building on this success, the 2025 programme has expanded to include Qoqa Secondary School in Orange Farm and now supports both Grade 11 and Grade 12 learners. Participating learners receive dedicated support in Maths, Maths Literacy, and Physical Science every Saturday and Sunday. The programme is made possible through the generosity of the Billy and Elsie Nair Foundation, which funds the tutors who volunteer their weekends to assist these learners.
“We are grateful to Billy and Elsie Nair for their vision and support, which allows us to make a tangible difference in learners’ academic outcomes,” said Obakeng Kgatshe, Manager of the Youth Leadership and Activism Programme at the Ahmed Kathrada Foundation. “We hope that this programme will continue to grow and reach more learners, and we welcome additional partners to join us in supporting this important initiative.”
The Ahmed Kathrada Foundation remains committed to promoting quality education as a cornerstone of social justice and equality. We reiterate our dedication to making sure that every learner has the opportunity to succeed.
ENDS
For media inquiries, please contact:
Anele Gcwabe
Communications Manager
Ahmed Kathrada Foundation
083-278-8832
anele@kathradafoundation.org
