APARTHEID AND EDUCATION IN SOUTH AFRICA 5
Running head: APARTHEID AND EDUCATION IN SOUTH AFRICA 1
Apartheid and Education in South Africa
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Apartheid and Education in South Africa
South Africa is a country that holds many historical facts. Its system of the apartheid rule and education prove some key areas of focus in the republic. Many encountered a lot of racial segregation, as a result, of the apartheid rule that dominated the country then. On the other hand, South Africa experienced different systems of education. However, it is in the process of embracing the inclusive form of education. Therefore, the paper explores the apartheid rule and the education system in South Africa.
Apartheid Rule in South Africa
Apartheid rule marks the period that was characterised by racial segregation in South Africa. During this time, the concept had a legislation support with the National Party (NP) as the main force behind it. This experience took place in 1948-1994 when the party ruled the country. The apartheid rule led to the abolition of the non-white political representation.
The movement also had social impacts on different population groups in South Africa. The racial composition of the country included the blacks, whites, Indian, and the colored (Marissa, n.d). These people had their residential areas segregated on the basis of their races. Also, the condition led to the removal of the non-white South Africans from their homes making them to have no citizenship. Legally, the non-whites became the citizens of one on the ten governing homelands (Sonneborn, 2010). The process saw many of the non-white people suffering in the hand of the leaders. The segregation was not only on the basis of residential, but also education matters. The non-whites had no opportunity to mingle with the white in schools. They attended different classes and had different experiences. Therefore, it is true that the non-white suffered a lot during the apartheid error.
The end of the apartheid rule came at a price. The process involved internal resistance that piled up and sparked violence. Moreover, a trade embargo and long arms developed against the country. The process of abolishing apartheid led to a serious war involving the military. The apartheid leaders then declared stun actions against the ant-apartheid people. As a result, they banned opposition and imprisoned the antagonists. It was after the retaliatory war from other states that saw South Africa embrace multiracial democratic elections. During the elections, people voted for their choices and that marked the end of this discriminatory rule. The process occurred in 1994 when President Fredrik Willem accepted the negation that ended the apartheid rule (Sonneborn, 2010). During the same period, the African National Congress won the elections. The declaration led to the release of the imprisoned people who opposed the regime. As a result, Nelson Mandela won the elections with ANC as his party. However, the non-white never regained their voting rights until 1993 when the apartheid laws had been amended (Sonneborn, 2010). It was after this process that the apartheid rule officially ended with the ANC taking up the rule. Therefore, it remains clear that the segregation period caused more harm to the non-whites than danger. However, with the ANC in the power, they regained their human status supported by legislation.
Education in South Africa
South Africa, like many countries has remained democratic concerning education. In its 1996 bill, the country recognized the need for right to education which is equal and non-prejudice (Legotlo, 2014). In their constitution, the South Africans have right to basic education. The rights extend to basic adult education and those with the intention to further their education. The country offers primary (6years), middle (3years), secondary (5years), and tertiary. South Africa is one of the countries in the world that spend a lot of money in education (Pfund, 2011). They appropriate about 7% of their GDP to education (Adegoke & Oni, 2015). Despite valuing education at these levels, the country now works towards embracing inclusive education.
In conclusion, the apartheid rule and education system in South Africa prove appropriate case studies for discussion. Apartheid rule had various impacts in South Africa including social segregation. On the other hand, the country offers its citizens right to education at different levels.
References
Adegoke, B., & Oni, A. (2015). Teacher education systems in Africa in the digital era. Dakar: CODESRIA.
Legotlo, M. W. (2014). Challenges and issues facing the education system in South Africa. Pretoria, South Africa : Africa Institute of South Africa.
Marissa K. E. (n.d). Apartheid (1948-1994). BlackPast.org. Retrieved from http://www.blackpast.org/gah/apartheid-1948-1994
Pfund, F. (2011). Transformation of south africa’s university system. Grin Verlag Ohg.
Sonneborn, L. (2010). The end of apartheid in South Africa. New York: Chelsea House.