Surprising stats

[Dave A]

There are currently 4.6 million Internet users in South Africa; this represents 91% growth since 2000. (Internet World Stats, March 2009) (2009-06-22)

That's actually shocking! Atrocious!

Not even doubled in nearly 10 years...? Really pathetic!

[Marq]

I suppose in relation to the number of taxpayers, telkoms (govn) control of systems and high prices and the third world mindset, its probably not toooo bad.

Yes, if we view it light of an emerging economy and a developing country then its poor, just like the many citizens that will stay there until this crowd gets their act together. TIA

[Dave A]

I couldn't help thinking about the state of education discussion when I read this one:

There are 13.7 million children in South Africa aged 6 to 18. 6% are not currently attending an educational institution. (GHS 2008)

[Marq]

Found the ratio I was talking to earlier:-

Learners-per-teacher ratio is high (31.4), teaching and learning materials are insufficient and inadequate. Educators often have inadequate qualification and low motivation. Poor physical conditions at schools, lack of proper sanitation facilities especially in rural areas, widespread violence in and around schools contribute to drop out and poor performance.

Unicef children profile report 2009

I dont know what the norm is, that is expected....20-25?

[mark@suitegum.co.za]

In the South African context, more important than student - teacher ratios, is the quality of the teachers. Our quality is generally very poor. This is exacerbated by high ratios, poor (teacher) discipline, poor (teacher) work ethics and too many teachers putting things up little kids' bottoms.

My primary school education was all above 40 per teacher, and we had few problems. My high school education was never above 22, and usually 15 to 20.

The modern ideal at top private schools seems to be aimed at 17, but a good teacher can work miracles with 31.

[Dave A]

There are 42,000 girls aged 13 to 18 who do not attend school because they are pregnant. (GHS 2008)

That sounds like a lot - especially given that condom use is so heavily promoted because of AIDS concerns (let alone the challenges of teen pregnancy)!

[Marq]

Obviously got the wrong sponsor, promoter and actor....er sportsman

[Marq]

I presume the source of these stats - GHS 2008 - stands for Girls High School - 2008 yearbook - a very reliable source indeed.

[Dave A]

Or General Household Survey...

Mind you, it's done by Stats SA - you might have a point

[mark@suitegum.co.za]

That sounds like a lot - especially given that condom use is so heavily promoted because of AIDS concerns (let alone the challenges of teen pregnancy)!

I wonder what the percentage is.

My dad was the headmaster of a private school. In the 70's he introduced girls to what had been a boys' school. Sometime in the 80's he had his first pregnancy. The thinking of the day was that the "bad girl should be expelled".

He went against the community and persuaded her to stay on to complete her matric. I seem to remember that her baby was born in the January following her matric exams. She went on to university, and today she's a doctor.

It was a novelty for the school, and a learning experience for all.

Why should the girls leave their studies while the fathers of their children stay at school, either as pupils or teachers?

[Dave A]

The proportion of households in LSMs one to three has declined from 36% in 2003 to 20% in 2009. (AMPS - various years. LSM stands for Living Standards Measure and is a frequently used basis to segment the consumer market in South Africa)

I was trying to work out whether this was good or bad news. It turns out it's good news. Essentially the percentage of people living in poverty is coming down.

The living standards measure runs from LSM 1 (people with the lowest living standards) to LSM 10 (people with really high living standards).

I also found this 2004 report on income and expenditure by LSM interesting.

[Dave A]

92% of urban adults agree with the statement 'It angers me that my taxes are used for luxury cars, body guards and other perks for government officials'.

At first I wondered who the 8% might be - perhaps government officials who get luxury cars, body guards and other perks?

[twinscythe12332]

At first I wondered who the 8% might be - perhaps government officials who get luxury cars, body guards and other perks?

They pay tax?

[mark@suitegum.co.za]

At first I wondered who the 8% might be - perhaps government officials who get luxury cars, body guards and other perks?

Some might suggest that the 8% may be the same 8% who gave the ANC their 65.9% majority.

[daveob]

It might be 1% government officials, 4% bodyguards and 3% luxury car salesmen. This means that each official has 4 bodyguards and 3 luxury cars ?