The Department of Basic Education has raised serious concerns after new figures revealed that more girls matriculated in the 2025 academic year than boys, highlighting a growing gender disparity in South Africa’s schooling system.
Basic Education Minister Siviwe Gwarube confirmed that while the increasing participation of girls in education is a positive development, the high rate at which boys are dropping out of school has become a major challenge for the department.
Speaking during a recent interview, the minister warned that the trend could have long-term social and economic consequences if not urgently addressed.
She noted that many boys leave school before completing matric due to a combination of factors, including poverty, lack of support at home, substance abuse, crime, and the pressure to seek income at a young age.
According to the department, boys are statistically more likely than girls to repeat grades, disengage from learning, and ultimately drop out of the education system altogether.
This has resulted in fewer boys being registered for matric examinations compared to their female counterparts.
The minister also pointed out that girls who temporarily leave school, particularly due to pregnancy, are increasingly able to return to the schooling system through reintegration programmes and supportive policies, contributing to higher female participation in matric.
About The Author
