WCED: learner absenteeism reduction target reached

Athenkosi Mvne

25 July 2013

The Western Cape Department of Education said it has reached its target in reducing absenteeism levels at schools. 

MEC of Education Donald Grant said one of the real threats to improved learner performance is learner absenteeism. 

This year the absenteeism rate in the first two quarters is 4.1 percent in the first term and 5.9 percent in the second term, with an average of 5 percent. 

Ministerial Spokesperson Bronagh Casey said they are pleased to announce that they have reached this target.

“The absenteeism has decreased from 7.7% I 2009, declining in the years that followed to 5.7 in 2012, and now with the first and second term average of 2013 to an average of 5%.

“These figures are encouraging, and we are pleading with all parents and learners to continue with this trend in the third and fourth term” Casey added.