INC3701
Assignment 4 2025
Unique #:
Due Date: 21 July 2025
Detailed solutions, explanations, workings
and references.
+27 81 278 3372
, QUESTION 1
1.1. Key Challenges Faced by Learners in South Africa That Contribute to
School Dropout
1. Hunger and Poverty
Many learners go to school on an empty stomach because they had no dinner the
night before and no breakfast in the morning. According to the 2015 General
Household Survey, about 2.4 million children in South Africa sometimes, often, or
always go hungry. For some learners, the only meal they receive is from the school
feeding scheme or a teacher who helps with food from their own money. This lack of
nutrition affects concentration and learning ability.
2. Unsafe and Difficult Transport
Learners often walk long distances to school—sometimes over 10 kilometres each
way—especially in rural areas. Others have to wait in long lines for taxis or buses.
On bad days, strikes, taxi violence, or bad weather make the journey more
dangerous. For example, children living in the Cape Flats must avoid certain areas to
stay safe from stray bullets.
3. Overcrowded and Poor Learning Environments
Classrooms often have up to 60 learners, making it hard for teachers to manage or
give individual attention. Classrooms may be bare, with no educational materials or
visuals on the walls. Due to pressure to complete the curriculum, lessons are rushed
and uninspiring, causing many learners to lose interest or fall behind. Sometimes
teachers are absent, and children must teach themselves.
4. Violence, Bullying, and Abuse
Learners face high levels of bullying and violence in schools. A 2015 survey found
that 48% of Grade 5 learners in no-fee schools are bullied weekly. Girls face sexual
violence during commutes and even during school hours by teachers and
classmates. Corporal punishment is still used by some teachers, even though it was
banned more than 20 years ago.
5. Lack of Support at Home
Varsity Cube 2025 +27 81 278 3372
Assignment 4 2025
Unique #:
Due Date: 21 July 2025
Detailed solutions, explanations, workings
and references.
+27 81 278 3372
, QUESTION 1
1.1. Key Challenges Faced by Learners in South Africa That Contribute to
School Dropout
1. Hunger and Poverty
Many learners go to school on an empty stomach because they had no dinner the
night before and no breakfast in the morning. According to the 2015 General
Household Survey, about 2.4 million children in South Africa sometimes, often, or
always go hungry. For some learners, the only meal they receive is from the school
feeding scheme or a teacher who helps with food from their own money. This lack of
nutrition affects concentration and learning ability.
2. Unsafe and Difficult Transport
Learners often walk long distances to school—sometimes over 10 kilometres each
way—especially in rural areas. Others have to wait in long lines for taxis or buses.
On bad days, strikes, taxi violence, or bad weather make the journey more
dangerous. For example, children living in the Cape Flats must avoid certain areas to
stay safe from stray bullets.
3. Overcrowded and Poor Learning Environments
Classrooms often have up to 60 learners, making it hard for teachers to manage or
give individual attention. Classrooms may be bare, with no educational materials or
visuals on the walls. Due to pressure to complete the curriculum, lessons are rushed
and uninspiring, causing many learners to lose interest or fall behind. Sometimes
teachers are absent, and children must teach themselves.
4. Violence, Bullying, and Abuse
Learners face high levels of bullying and violence in schools. A 2015 survey found
that 48% of Grade 5 learners in no-fee schools are bullied weekly. Girls face sexual
violence during commutes and even during school hours by teachers and
classmates. Corporal punishment is still used by some teachers, even though it was
banned more than 20 years ago.
5. Lack of Support at Home
Varsity Cube 2025 +27 81 278 3372
