Kaya News Reporter
The Department of Basic Education said the projected number of learners who dropped out of school is 700 000.
This was due largely in part to the Covid-19 pandemic which gripped the world since March 2020.
Drop out rates in the country are at the highest they’ve been in 20-years.
An estimated 700 000 learners between 7 and 17-years dropped out of school in 2021.
Most parents chose to pull their children out of school due to the fear and threat the pandemic posed to their safety.
Director General of the Department of Education, Hubert Mweli said that the enrolment rate increased by 300 000.
The DG was speaking in a media briefing on the Department’s readiness for the 2022 academic year.
However, the EFF believes the Department of Education is not doing anything to get these learners readmitted.
The party believes the rise in drop outs is going to have an adverse effect on poverty and illiteracy.
In South Africa, the number of children in primary school who cannot read is staggering. With 8 out of 10 children reportedly unable to read and comprehend in any language.
This means that up to 78% of Grade 4 learners cannot read for meaning.
Whilst thousands of learners remain unplaced, school attendance is also at an all-time low.
In other news: “Send your private school bill to Panyaza Lesufi!” says ANCYL in Joburg



