The Eastern Cape Department of Education says 9,300 Grade 12 learners in the province, mostly from smaller rural schools, have never achieved a passing grade since starting school.

These learners have been beneficiaries of the department’s progression policy, which aims to reduce dropout rates. The policy excludes Grade 12, when learners must meet all requirements for the National Senior Certificate.

‘If you trace these learners, you will find out they are from small, unviable schools,’ Education MEC Fundile Gade was reported as saying. He said that about 1,000 schools would be closed in the province over the next 5 years.

🔗 News24