Education in South Africa

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Grouping of South African school grades into phases, bands and schools

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Map of South Africa with English labels

Education in South Africa is governed by two national departments, namely the Department of Basic Education (DBE), which is responsible for primary and secondary schools, and the Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET), which oversees tertiary education and vocational training. The South African education system is known for its historical disparities, but it has undergone significant changes since the end of apartheid to become more inclusive and accessible to all citizens.

History

The history of education in South Africa is deeply intertwined with the country's colonial and apartheid past. During the apartheid era, education was segregated by race, with the Bantu Education Act of 1953 establishing a separate and unequal system of education for black South Africans that was designed to limit their future to roles as laborers or servants. Since the end of apartheid in 1994, the government has worked to transform the education system into one that offers equal opportunities to all South Africans, regardless of race.

Structure

The South African education system is divided into three levels: General Education and Training (GET), which includes pre-primary to grade 9; Further Education and Training (FET), which includes grades 10 to 12 and vocational education; and Higher Education (HE), which includes undergraduate and postgraduate degrees, diplomas, and certificates offered at universities and colleges.

General Education and Training

GET is compulsory for all South African children aged 7 to 15 or until they complete grade 9. The curriculum focuses on foundational skills in literacy, numeracy, and life skills. Schools offering GET are either government-funded public schools or private schools, with the former being accessible to the majority of the population.

Further Education and Training

FET provides education from grade 10 to grade 12, culminating in the National Senior Certificate (NSC) examination. FET also includes vocational education and training offered at Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) colleges, which prepare students for specific trades or occupations.

Higher Education

The higher education sector comprises universities, universities of technology, and TVET colleges offering higher certificates, diplomas, and degrees. South Africa is home to some of the most prestigious universities in Africa, including the University of Cape Town and the University of Witwatersrand.

Challenges

Despite significant progress, the South African education system faces numerous challenges, including disparities in quality and access between urban and rural schools, high dropout rates, and the need for improved teacher training and resources. The government and various stakeholders are continuously working on reforms and initiatives to address these issues.

Recent Developments

Recent developments in South African education include the implementation of the National Development Plan (NDP), which aims to improve the quality of education and the outcomes for all students by 2030. Additionally, there has been a focus on integrating technology into the classroom and improving the quality of early childhood development (ECD) programs.