IMPROVING LIVES THROUGH DATA ECOSYSTEMS

Since the advent of democracy in South Africa in 1994, the country has grappled with the challenge of integrating its previously marginalised and oppressed majority into a new educational system. Substantial strides have been made in education reforms, including the establishment of no-fee schools, school nutrition programs, improved access to scholar transport, implementation of the child support grant, and introduction of the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS), all of which have had a significantly positive impact on enrolment, particularly among previously disadvantaged groups.

Despite significant progress over the past two decades, universal completion of secondary education remains elusive. Among individuals aged 25 years and older, the attainment of at least secondary education increased from 21,5% in 1996 to 48,1% in 2022. Notably, the black African population saw substantial gains, with the percentage of individuals aged 25 and older with only primary education or less declining from around 57,9% in 1996 to 22,2% in 2022. Furthermore, secondary education achievement among black Africans more than tripled from 9,4% in 1996 to 34,7% in 2022.