Class of 2024

Background

South Africa’s public schools are classified into five quintile rankings, determined by the socio-economic conditions of the communities they serve. These rankings reflect factors such as income levels, literacy rates, and unemployment rates.

Quintile 1: Schools serving the poorest 20% of learners.

Quintile 5: Schools catering to the wealthiest 20%.

Schools in Quintiles 1, 2, and 3 are classified as no-fee schools, while those in Quintiles 4 and 5 are fee-paying schools.

At Qhubeka, we focus on Quintile 1–3 schools, working to bridge the gaps in access to essential resources and opportunities.

In the schools we support, over 50% of parents / guardians are unemployed and illiterate, meaning they have not completed Grade 7 or its equivalent Adult Education and Training qualification (ABET Level 3).

Understanding the System

While annual Grade 12 pass rates often dominate discussions, the broader educational landscape reveals deeper challenges.

According to the 2023 School Realities Report by the Department of Basic Education:

1,208,973 learners started Grade 1 in 2012.

By 2023, only 740,566 learners (61.3%) made it to Grade 12.

Of those, 572,983 learners (47.4%) passed.

This means 52.6% of learners (635,990) were lost in the education system over 12 years.

The highest dropout rates occur in the later grades, underscoring the critical need for targeted support during these years. To address this, Qhubeka distributes bicycles to learners in Grades 9–12, providing them with reliable transportation to stay in school and complete their education.

Ramotshere Moiloa & Moses Kotane SHIFT

North West Province

National pass rate: 87.3%

Provincial pass rate: 87.5%

Average pass rate for Qhubeka recipient schools: 91.2%

Top-Performing Qhubeka Recipient Schools:

Gobonewe Secondary School

Pass rate: 97.2%

Increase in pass rate from 2023: 21.5%

Number of distinctions: 15

Sefutswelo Secondary School

Pass rate: 97.0%

Increase in pass rate from 2023: 15.8%

Thebe-Ya-Tlhajwa Secondary School

Pass rate: 96.8%

Increase in pass rate from 2023: 18.3%

Number of distinctions: 30

Looking Ahead

These results are a testament to the impact of targeted interventions in under-resourced schools. The success of Qhubeka-supported schools, particularly in reducing dropout rates and improving pass rates, demonstrates the importance of continued investment in education for the most vulnerable learners.

Together, we’re not just improving pass rates; we’re creating opportunities and fostering hope for a brighter future.

Let’s keep moving forward, one pedal stroke at a time.