EDUCATION IN SOUTH AFRICA
2009 matric results in a nutshell
In 1998, 1 444 018 pupils started with Gr. 1. In 2009, 334 745 pupils passed matric. Only 20% of matrics who wrote the final examination qualified for tertiary studies.
Enrolments from 1998 (Gr. 1) to 2005 (Gr. 12)
CURRENT CHALLENGES IN EDUCATION
- Education of a poor quality has an effect on economic growth, as it can be linked to unemployment, poverty, corruption and skills shortages.
- Low literacy levels (basic reading and writing skills and numeracy) and a lack of specialised knowledge among teachers is a significant cause of poor performance. In 2009, only 991 pupils obtained a distinction in both mathematics and science. Only 50% of teachers who teach mathematics and 42% of teachers who teach natural sciences have post-school qualifications.
The ROF strives to be instrumental in achieving a turnaround in this state of affairs by giving financial assistance to aspiring teachers, enabling to obtain teaching qualifications.
AFRIKAANS IN SOUTH AFRICA
Research has shown that only 16% of matriculants in Afrikaans schools have access to tertiary education. Of the youths who are unable to embark on tertiary studies, 70% cite a lack of finances as one of the biggest obstacles.
Afrikaans students have limited access to financial assistance.
- The National Student Financial Aid Scheme, or NSFAS, (the state’s bursary fund), allocates only 2% of its funds to white students and 7% to coloured students, a portion of whom is Afrikaans speaking.
- Large corporations who provided assistance to Afrikaans students in the past must now fill quotas.
- The demand for bursaries and loans is overwhelming, but the resources available are limited.