(University of the Free State, 2006) Masitsa, Gilbert
English: The drop-out rate at township secondary schools is increasing with no sign of abating.
Elevated drop-out levels cause a high rate of functional illiteracy, limited occupational
and economic prospects, and an increase in the already high rate of unemployment
in the country. This article examines the determinants of learner drop-out on the
basis of a literature study, along with a survey of the perceptions of educators about the
reasons why students drop out of school. The data from educators were obtained by
means of a questionnaire. The study has uncovered factors that culminate in learners’
decision to drop out of school, a problem which must be addressed.