How “Basic” is Basic Education?: Restructuring Basic Education in Post-Apartheid South Africa within the Context of EFA

Abstract

Satisfactory provision of basic education is a way through which social inclusion and economic growth can take place in post-apartheid South Africa. Although the country embraces the principles and guidelines for EFA declaration, making basic education available to the present school-age children, and to adults who were denied the opportunity during the apartheid era, has remained unrealized. The gap in basic education has persisted despite notable improvements in the educational sector in South Africa. To address this challenge, this chapter seeks to reconceptualize and expand the meaning of “basic education” within the context of South African society. It argues that the meaning and the practice of basic education in South Africa is inseparable from the historic experiences and the socio-economic dynamics that shape the present society. Besides, to realize the goal of improved quality, the role of non-state institutions in basic education provision needs to be redefined.

Citation

Evoh, C.J. and Mafu, N. (2007), "How “Basic” is Basic Education?: Restructuring Basic Education in Post-Apartheid South Africa within the Context of EFA", Baker, D.P. and Wiseman, A.W. (Ed.) Education for All (International Perspectives on Education and Society, Vol. 8), Emerald Group Publishing Limited, Leeds, pp. 427-451. https://doi.org/10.1016/S1479-3679(06)08015-7