South Africa's Educational Inequalities

       
         Education in South Africa is a challenge that many South African students face in today's society. There are a number of important factors that need to be addressed if the children who attend schools in South Africa are to succeed and excel in their academic studies. Without the proper resources and opportunities, students' aspirations will begin to dwindle away and goals will become more of a unobtainable dream with no real hopes of achievement. It is an epidemic that seems to have the same theme that plagues our inner city youth in urban communities, particularly among  the African community.

            The primary schools in South Africa start typically from grades R- 7th(Kindergarden-7th). "Primary schools" are in general elementary and middle schools or family schools. Eighth grade marks the beginning of their high school years. From grades eight to twelve is considered a "secondary school".  The children who attend these primary and secondary schools are called "learners" instead of students. Learners attending primary schools begin their ESL program upon entering 1st grade.  

            During South's Africa's apartheid era, the Bantu Education Act of 1953 that was passed in South Africa stated that Africans who were black were only allowed to study in school only to a certain point or grade level. Shortly after, funding for religious schools in South Africa declined under the South African government. This event forced many schools to close down or become property of the state. The government spending budget on education for black people suddenly declined.

            Since there was racial segregation and poor educational opportunities in the black South African community many students protested in the streets of Soweto and were shot at during the 1970s by police during their demonstration. 575 people were shot and killed. When riots began to break out many of the schools were also destroyed.
            After years of educational inequality for black Africans in South Africa the president at the time which was P. W. Botha initiated the negotiations between the government and Nelson Mandela, who is the leader of the ANC(African National Congress). Once an agreement was settled between both parties the spending on education by the government increased for black Africans. Years later through consulting between parties the government stated that it will begin to  restructure education in South Africa.  
            Although the apartheid era has past not every child in South Africa who is legally of age is able to attend a primary or secondary school. It is because of the lack of funding to support the yearly tuition for every child to be able to go to school. Parents must pay a "school fee" for every child that will attend school. The school fee is the amount of money that the parents have to pay to the primary schools and is "aimed at improving the quality of education of learners." These "school fees" do not include the fees for registration, administration and other applicable fees.

            The South African Statistical Association (SASA)made a statement stating that the School Governing Bodies (SGBs) of schools have to "supplement government funding by charging school fees and doing other reasonable forms of fund-raising." In order for schools to not have to charge any fees these schools have to be identified as a "no fee school". Every name of a no fee school" is published in a publication called the Provincial Gazette. For schools to be identified as a "no fee school"  the community that surrounds the school will be evaluated based on its economic level.

Terrell with 6th and 7th grade learner at Kalksteen Primary School.

            In my opinion education in South Africa has a promising future only if  it can offer a solution to accommodate the economical disadvantages the surrounding communities of South African public schools face. South Africa's educational goals are indeed on target yet the supply for education doesn't meet the student demand. Every child should have the opportunity to receive a decent education no matter who they are and where they come from and what their financial situation is. It's amazing and unbelievable how we live in the world we live in today and there is still inequality in education.

             I think when we as a people face these types of dilemmas in society such as education, it's going to take more than an effort from the government to fix or solve the problem. It's going to take an individual effort. From me and you. From all of us. We can donate our time. In any capacity we can serve our children. We can be mentors and educators to our youth. We can act in substitution as family figures. It takes a village to raise a child. Engaging with our youth is an important key factor in their growth and development. They need  our support and direction in order for them to have a sense of knowing they have a voice and place in society. Our children need us. You can make a difference by being the difference. Be the difference.

Terrell with learners from Zakhele Primary School.