School dropouts have an impact on not only the learners, but their families, communities, and society as a whole.
Studies suggest that learners who drop out of school prematurely experience a lack of access to higher education and fewer job opportunities than learners who complete basic education schooling.
According to the Department of Basic Education (DBE) the most reliable estimates of dropout rates by grade are derived using STATS SA’s General Household Surveys, which are conducted annually.
“This is a nationally representative survey of South African households and collects information about the highest level of education attained by each member of the household.”
The 2021 General Household Survey indicates that although most 18- and 19-year-olds were still attending secondary school, almost three out of 10 learners aged 18 years (29,3%) and 4 out of 9 (46,3%) of 19-year-olds had dropped out of school.
Education experts have suggested that Improving school culture is a large part of preventing dropouts as there is a need to create welcoming, stimulating, and safe environments for all learners.
Many have questioned the programmes and procedures the DBE has put in place to mitigate the dropout rate of learners.
In response, the department says that ensuring that children attend school during the compulsory schooling age band and striving to increase the percentage of youths who successfully complete Grade 12, are central to the mission of lessening school dropouts.
A large range of activities and initiatives are aimed at advancing this mission. They have been successful thus far as dropping out before successful completion of the National Senior Certificate has been on the decline, and schooling among children at the compulsory ages has for many years been kept at almost 100%, though there were some setbacks during the pandemic.
Some of the department's key initiatives include the National School Nutrition Programme (NSNP), the expansion of the learner-level enrolment and attendance monitoring systems, no fee-paying schools, policies on teenage pregnancies, as well special examination preparation support for Grade 12 learners.
Additionally, the department also aims to improve learning in the early grades. A key government priority is improving reading, and learning and teaching in general, in the early grades so that learners are motivated to complete their schooling and in the process decreasing school dropout rates.
