Dropping out

South Africa observed the dawn of democracy in 1994 since then there has been some significant changes for all learners to access education. The constitution of the republic of South Africa states that education is compulsory from grade one to nine. Despite this many children are still dropping out. This study was conducted against this background to investigate the causes of learner dropout at secondary schools in Johannesburg South Gauteng. The data was collected through in-depth interviews of educators learners parents principals and School Governing Bodies (SGBs) of 3 secondary schools. The data was thematically analyzed and findings revealed among others that teenage pregnancy lack of parental involvement substance abuse and peer pressure were a deterrent to learners completing school. Qualitative design was used and the research can benefit schools’ stakeholders policy makers and researchers.