Nic Spaull

Latest fact-checks

COMMENT: How to raise the 'real' matric pass rate

The matric pass rate is seen as perhaps the most important indicator of education in South Africa. But with fewer pupils actually reaching and finishing matric, it is extremely short sighted.

Education

The economic value of matric and the potential of further education colleges

Aiming for 100% matric pass rate would be truly misguided, argues economics and education researcher Nic Spaull. Rather, we should look to Further Education and Training Colleges to play a key role in educating and providing meaningful employment to millions of South Africans.

Latest facts

Sex & gender

Welfare & population

Which African countries have some of the highest unemployment rates among women?

Source

World Bank – Unemployment, female (% of female labour force) - Sub-Saharan Africa 2021

Short answer

Which African countries have some of the highest unemployment rates among women?

According to the latest figures from the World Bank, Sudanese women had the highest unemployment rate in Africa in 2021 at 30.5%, followed by women in South Africa at 30.3%, Gabon at 29.7%, Eswatini at 26.5% and Somalia at 25.7%. ...

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Sex & gender

How much do women earn compared to men in South Africa?

Source

World Bank: Inequality in Southern Africa – an assessment of the Southern African Customs Union

Short answer

How much do women earn compared to men in South Africa?

A World Bank report on inequality in the Southern African Customs Union (SACU) – comprising Botswana, Eswatini, Lesotho, Namibia, and South Africa – found that women in SACU on average earn 30% less than their male counterparts (with similar education and other relevant characteristics). In Sout...

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Crime & justice

Welfare & population

What are the child abuse statistics in South Africa?

Source

Third Quarter Crime Statistics 2022-2023

Short answer

What are the child abuse statistics in South Africa?

According to the latest crime statistics, 319 children were murdered in South Africa between October 2022 and December 2022, and a further 488 survived attempted murder. A further 2,039 children were victims of physical assault. ...

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