It is taken for granted in society that most people are able to read and write. The truth is that millions of South Africans do not have even basic reading or writing skills. There are also a great number of people who need to develop reading skills as well as writing. Functioning in today’s world necessitates the need to be able to read and write. Applying for the most basic services requires completing of documents that not only need to be read but completed. People that do not have these skills need to trust and rely on others who may not have their best interests at heart.