Pupils in the country are enjoying their Easter holidays. But how long until they return to their desks? Image: Pixabay
Census reveals spike in non-attendance in schools
South Africa sees 26.6% rise in school non-attendance among 5-24 age group, Census 2022 highlights.This record has increased since 1996.
Pupils in the country are enjoying their Easter holidays. But how long until they return to their desks? Image: Pixabay
South Africa sees 26.6% rise in school non-attendance among 5-24 age group, Census 2022 highlights.
According to Daily Maverick, since 1996, a significant increase is noted in the 5-24 age group not attending school.
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Census raises concern with spike in school dropouts/non-attendance
From 2011 to 2022, attendance at school increased for black, Indian, and Asian individuals, but it declined for colored and white individuals.
President Cyril Ramaphosa spoke to the nation after Census 2022’s release, emphasising the census’s purpose in providing vital information for inclusivity in South Africa.
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Troubled by the numbers, the civil society group turned political entity Build One South Africa (Bosa) issued a statement.
Urging Minister of Basic Education to be sacked
They urged the dismissal of Minister of Basic Education Angie Motshekga.
The group disputed President Ramaphosa’s recent assertions regarding improved education access during the ANC government’s tenure.
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According to their statement, a concerning rise of 200,000 occurred in the past decade, leaving around 5.2 million school-aged children without formal education.
Even though President Ramaphosa stated the ANC government improved education access, about 5.2 million school-age children lack formal education.
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This marks a 200,000 increase in the past ten years.
Bosa pointed out that Motshekga has witnessed a steady decline in South Africa’s youth education.
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The highest and lowest ranked
Mpumalanga and Limpopo had the highest percentage of people with no schooling (11.7% and 14.1%, respectively).
The lowest percentage of people with no education was in the Western Cape (2.3%), followed by Gauteng (3.9%)
