3 strategies to achieve a 100% matric pass rate

IN HONOUR of World Teachers Day, we as members of society and parents can partner with innovative organisations to advance South Africa’s matric pass rate through the holistic development of learners, especially those from difficult or challenged socioeconomic backgrounds.

- LWANDILE NGENDANE & SANDISWA GWELE

MEMBERS of society need to be aware of and acknowledge the high school dropout rate and the socio-economic factors that contribute to it, say the writers. | ARMAND HOUGH

(Independent Newspapers)

In 2011, a little over 50% of Cape Town's residents aged 20 years and above did not have matric and a further 30% were still completing matric. The percentage of these young adults who hadn't completed the final school grade dropped to 42% by 2022, whilst that of those still completing matric in that year improved to 37% according to the City’s Census 2022 results.

However, parts of the City such as Philippi, a farm community-turned-township in the Cape Flats district, have continued to be characterised by a common denominator of low education levels, employment rates and household incomes. One of the concerns in the area is the school dropout rate. Research shows that mostly Black youth in the Cape Flats and surrounding communities are amongst the most vulnerable to dropping out of school before completing matric for various complex reasons ranging from poor quality education to gangsterism and substance abuse.