Tracking the Journey of South Africa’s Class of 2024

The Class of 2024, now facing the challenges of their final year in school, has come a long way since their very first day in Grade 1.

Most of them began their educational journey back in 2013, marking over a decade of learning, growth, and, for many, significant obstacles to overcome.

A Steady Decline in Enrollment

Looking back to 2013, when 1.2 million children started Grade 1 in South Africa, it’s clear that not all of them would make it to their final year.

By 2024, the Grade 12 class had shrunk to 740,876 learners, only about 60% of the original number.

This decrease in enrollment as students move through the grades is not unusual, but it highlights a concerning trend, especially when looking at the drop-off rates between certain grades.

The Big Drop Between Grade 10 and Grade 12

One of the most significant drop-offs typically happens between Grade 10 and Grade 12, and the Class of 2024 was no exception.

A staggering 407,561 learners didn’t make the transition from Grade 10 to their final year of school.

This sharp decrease is often attributed to various factors, including academic struggles, early dropout, and repetition.

Throughput Rate: A Measure of Success and Struggle

The “throughput rate,” which compares the number of students who reach Grade 12 with those who started Grade 10, stands at 64.5% for 2024.

This means that fewer than two out of three students who started high school actually make it to the end.

While this number might sound disappointing, it’s important to remember that this rate is a bit lower than last year’s 68% and has been steadily declining since 2021.

Is 64% a Good or Bad Figure?

Mathanzima Mweli, the Director-General of the Department of Basic Education, defended the 64% throughput rate, saying it’s considered “healthy” when compared to other middle-income countries.

In those countries, rates are often around 60%, suggesting that South Africa’s rate isn’t unusually low on a global scale.

The Real Issue: High Failure and Repetition Rates

However, Mweli pointed out that the issue isn’t just about students dropping out—it’s also about the high failure and repetition rates that contribute to the shrinking number of students in the higher grades.

Many learners who fail don’t necessarily leave the system entirely but are held back to repeat their grade, further affecting overall progression.

The Ongoing Struggles

For those wondering how the Class of 2024 fared in the final exams, or simply curious about the ongoing impact of these educational trends, it’s clear that the path to graduation in South Africa is not an easy one.

With challenges such as the failure and repetition rates, the educational system continues to grapple with ways to ensure more learners can finish their schooling successfully.

If you’re part of the Class of 2024 or just interested in the latest educational news,

feel free to share your thoughts or experiences.

This article was published on TDPel Media. Thanks for reading!

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