Browsing by Author "Mathekga, Jacob"

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    Shattering the glass ceiling : determining the factors contributing to achieving Grade 7 or Grade 12 for citizens in Limpopo
    (2014-12) Mathekga, Jacob; Willemse, Lodene; Stellenbosch University. Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences. Dept. of Geography & Environmental Studies.
    ENGLISH ABSTRACT: People obtain skills through improved educational levels which allow them to secure more permanent higher-earning jobs, resulting in better living conditions. Irrespective of government policies and programmes to reduce illiteracy and increase the education standard, Limpopo experienced low Grade 12 pass rates of 66.9% and 71.8% in 2012 and 2013 respectively. The latter pass rate remains below the national average of 73.9%. This article investigates the socio-demographic, socio-economic and service-delivery factors contributing to attaining both Grade 7 and Grade 12 in Limpopo. Descriptive statistics from the General Household Survey 2013 data were calculated to observe the profile information of those citizens in Limpopo who only managed to obtain Grade 7 as well as those who managed to obtain Grade 12. Thereafter, two logistic regression models were computed to explore the contributing factors to attaining Grade 7 or Grade 12. The results indicate that females, people residing in urban formal areas, households with flush toilets, and households using electricity for cooking have higher odds of obtaining Grade 7. Females, children and youth, and people residing in households with a vehicle, refrigerator, and access to internet have higher odds of attaining Grade 12. Additionally, a total monthly household income of R6 001 – R30 000 increases the odds of attaining Grade 12. Thus, overall, socio-demographic factors play an important role in completing Grade 7, while socio-economic factors are dominant determinants of attaining Grade 12. Significant policy implications to improve the Grade 7 and Grade 12 pass rates are discussed.