Education crisis as more girls than boys complete matric in South Africa

South Africa's education system is facing a growing gender gap, with significantly more girls than boys completing matric in 2025, raising concerns among Basic Education Minister Siviwe Gwarube. 

The trend reflects a growing crisis: an increasing number of boys drop out between Grades 10 and 12, with many never returning, leaving the male child underrepresented in the matric cohort.

Gwarube warned that this pattern is marginalising boys, citing repeated failure, loss of motivation, and complete withdrawal from school as key drivers. Even more concerning, she said, boys who leave school early are vulnerable to social ills, including recruitment into gangs.

Departmental data shows that girls now make up 56% of matric candidates, compared to 44% boys, a gap that Gwarube attributes in part to stronger protective measures for girls, including the removal of pregnancy as a barrier to education.

“The boy child is increasingly being left behind, becoming underrepresented in matric cohorts and less likely than girls to return through second-chance pathways. This imbalance requires urgent and targeted intervention,” she said.

Echoing her concerns, Gauteng MEC of Education Matome Chiloane described the situation as a growing crisis among boys in the school system, stressing that it is not a matter of ability.

He noted that when boys take subjects such as mathematics and physical science, they often outperform girls.

“Their problem is not aptitude. It’s that they are leaving the system,” Chiloane said, pointing out that boys now make up only 44% of the matric cohort, far below expected levels.

He explained that the dropout pressure intensifies in the later years of schooling.

“The pressure comes late, between grades 11 and 12. We lose about 22% of learners overall, and that loss disproportionately affects boys. This isn’t about capability. 

“It’s about retention. It’s about engagement. It’s about keeping young men in the system long enough for their talent to matter. This requires urgent, targeted intervention, and we will be intensifying our work in this regard,” Chiloane added. 

The Star

masabata.mkwananzi@inl.co.za