Since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, basic literacy among young children has dropped in South Africa. More than 30% of South African children entering grade two do not know the alphabet, and the number of grade four pupils struggling with basic reading comprehension increased to 82% from 78% seven years ago, according to a report by a member of the country's 2030 Reading Panel.    To address the issue, some private schools are spending up to 25% more time on reading and comprehension.  VOA's Jan Bornman reports that South Africa's Department of Education has acknowledged the shortcomings but added that school participation and completion rates have improved over the last 20 years.