South African Education

Abstract

At the dawn of independence in South Africa, several basic objectives must be met to bring about a new South Africa free of apartheid. There must be a new constitution based on democracy that guarantees one person one vote in a multiracial (nonracial in South African nomenclature) and nonsexist environment in which resources have been redistributed in such a way as to provide an equitable infrastructure in all areas. These changes will necessitate innovative intervention strategies and viable policy options. Of the many issues to consider when discussing the infrastructure and needed changes, one is predominant-South African education. This issue is important because of the overwhelming effect that apartheid has had on it. But it is equally critical because of the influence that it has on the current and on the future sociopolitical and economic manifestations and remnants of apartheid. For example, because of the current administrative structure of the South African educational system brought on by apartheid, a basic education is not available to all. However, although the new constitution guarantees each person the right to vote,' a basic education for all citizens will be a necessary ingredient for maximum informed participation in the democratic process. The problem is that the establishment of an egalitarian educational system with equal provision for all students will not take place until a unitary system of administration and management is