The Department of Basic Education has sounded the alarm on a worrying trend: more boys are dropping out of school, prompting urgent action from officials.
Minister Siviwe Gwarube highlighted the alarming statistic that the most significant decline in school attendance occurs between Grades 10 and 12, with boys being disproportionately affected. This drop-off raises serious concerns about a future where boys might be left behind in education.
After the release of the 2025 matric results on January 12, Gwarube noted the gender imbalance in matric participation, emphasizing the need to address the persistent issue of boys disengaging from the educational system.
“There is a big problem for us, and that is that the boy child is being left behind,” Gwarube stated.
“Where we see the greatest drop is between Grade 10 and Grade 12, and that, for me, is a big concern. One of the reasons we believe this happens is grade repetition, with learners giving up and leaving school. However, the boy child appears to be more susceptible to dropping out and not returning.”
To dig deeper into this crisis, Gwarube mentioned that socio-economic pressures and grade repetition are just a few factors being considered. The department is actively searching for effective strategies to counter the growing disparity.
In a broader context, Gwarube pointed out that boys who do not complete their education may turn to crime, particularly in provinces like Gauteng, KwaZulu-Natal, and the Western Cape. This underscores a dire societal issue that requires coordinated efforts between the education sector and government bodies.
Social Media Reacts
A recent post by News24 ignited a heated debate online as South Africans expressed a range of opinions on the matter.
Check out the post here:
One insightful commenter, @PSAFMophiring, shared:
“The system is leaving boys behind. It started with ‘take a girl child to work,’ then came Oprah Winfrey’s girls-only school, and so on. What happens to the boy-child, especially in black communities and rural areas? They suffer hopelessness, run away from home, become drug addicts and make up the highest percentage of criminals in prison.”
Meanwhile, @ghettostar_22 pointed out:
“But the richest people in South Africa are men.”
Another user, @Khumbs007, expressed a concern:
“There is a deliberate effort to suppress men and boys. It’s not a random outcome. Men are on their own.”
As questions linger, one user asked:
“Is it because they were not accepted into matric at the same rate as girls, or because they did not pass?”
@LeoMcoboth55625 added:
“Women outnumber men in schools and tertiary institutions around the world. This is not only a South African issue.”
Shining Examples: KwaZulu-Natal's Ethan Naicker
In a positive light, KwaZulu-Natal learner Ethan Naicker serves as an inspiring example of the potential within boys when supported through their educational journey. Naicker, a matriculant from Port Shepstone Secondary School, earned national acclaim for his impressive academic achievements, further spotlighted in a TV interview aired by eNCA journalist Nabeelah Shaikh on January 12, 2026. Naicker attributes his success to both diligent effort and unwavering family support.
When discussing his future, Naicker revealed he is torn between pursuing a career in medicine and actuarial science, with a growing preference for medicine as he looks toward 2026.
Celebrating Success: The Major Twins
In another remarkable story, twin siblings Rebecca and Daniel Major from Reddam House Umhlanga have made headlines for their outstanding performance in the 2025 matric examinations. Collectively achieving an impressive 16 distinctions in the IEB exams, the Major twins have not only set a record for their school but have also become role models for their peers.
Teachers and parents alike praised their exemplary behavior and achievements, acknowledging that their success has inspired the wider school community.
As the Basic Education Department continues to confront the gender gap in education, the stories of young achievers like Naicker and the Major twins demonstrate the potential for success, provided the right support systems are in place.
No comments yet. Be the first to share your thoughts!