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By Johnathan Paoli
While much attention in South Africa’s education and social development spheres has rightfully focused on empowering the girl child, mounting evidence suggests that boys are quietly slipping through the cracks.
A combination of poverty, child labour, school violence and entrenched gender norms are leading to a worrying pattern: boys are disengaging from education at alarming rates, a trend with potentially devastating social and economic consequences.
During the Basic Education department’s recent commemoration of International Boy Child Day, experts highlighted a complex mix of socioeconomic and cultural factors.
A high-level panel discussion facilitated by Unesco explored practical strategies for supporting the boy child.
Panelists from across civil society and the public sector shared insights and recommendations, including the importance of mentorship, the inclusion of father figures in education and emotional development, and targeted psychosocial support in schools.
Beau Nkaelang from the SA National Aids Council’s Men’s Sector advocated for more male mentorship in primary and secondary schools to create positive role models for boys.
TT Mbah of the Amatyma Brotherhood Circle underscored the power of community-based support networks in addressing feelings of isolation among boys, while Lereko Mfono from Fathers Matter highlighted the urgent need to equip fathers with tools to support their sons emotionally, socially and academically.
Psychologist and academic, Malose Langa of Becoming Men, recommended school-based initiatives that encouraged boys to express emotions and challenge harmful gender norms, and representatives from GIZ and Youth Start Foundation stressed the value of early intervention and collaboration with the media to reshape public narratives around masculinity.
The department’s deputy director-general for sector care and support services at the department, Granville Whittle closed, closed the programme with a call for long-term commitment.
“This cannot be a once-off conversation. We must take these messages into our classrooms, our communities and our homes. Supporting the boy child must become a daily, national priority,” he said.
According to the latest Global Report on Boys’ Disengagement from Education by Unesco. over 132 million boys globally are out of school, with the crisis becoming increasingly visible in low- and middle-income countries like South Africa.
The report outlines that in 73 countries, fewer boys than girls are enrolled in upper-secondary education. Furthermore, only 88 men are enrolled in tertiary education for every 100 women, evidence of a growing gender disparity that is no longer solely a female issue.
South African statistics mirror this global trend, with data from recent years indicating that 12.98% of primary school-aged boys were out of school, compared to 10.14% of girls.
Among children and adolescents of both primary and secondary school age, 10.54% of boys were out of school, against 8.17% of girls.
Poverty remains a dominant force with many boys compelled to leave school early to work and support their families.
Also, violence and bullying in schools disproportionately target boys, as does exposure to harsh disciplinary practices and corporal punishment.
These experiences, according to Unesco, are key predictors of absenteeism, low performance and eventual dropout.
Kathryn Kure of Data Myna describes the issue as “complex,” noting that boys are especially vulnerable to underperformance in the early years.
“Gendered norms play a significant role. Boys are often expected to be dominant, self-reliant and emotionless. These expectations clash with the demands of modern learning environments,” she said.
Indeed, societal constructs of masculinity often discourage boys from seeking help, engaging in “non-masculine” subjects, or participating in school culture.
Boys are also more likely to be punished for behavioral issues, rather than supported through remedial interventions, further distancing them from learning.
While girls in South Africa continue to experience systemic challenges such as gender-based violence (GBV), the country is witnessing a growing achievement gap in academic performance and not in the favour of boys.
Academic Mary Metcalfe from the University of Johannesburg notes that girls are now outperforming boys in National Senior Certificate results and bachelor degree graduations, including in STEM fields.
During the panel discussion, specialists agreed on a multi-level, holistic response as essential in moving forward.
In terms of strengthening early childhood development, boys need greater support in foundational years to develop literacy and emotional skills.
Creating safe, inclusive environments that reject corporal punishment and challenge toxic masculinity, with teachers being trained in gender-transformative pedagogy and non-violent discipline methods.
The panel discussion considered providing economic support through social protection schemes which could help families keep boys in school, especially where child labour was an economic necessity.
Involving parents and community leaders in promoting the value of boys’ education, alongside male role models in education can reshape perceptions and increase motivation.
There was a recognition that both the government and education authorities must recognise boys’ educational disadvantages and collect data disaggregated by gender, socioeconomic status and geography to inform targeted interventions.
INSIDE EDUCATION