What Is the Education System in South Africa?
In the South African education system, students are called "learners." Schooling is divided into three sections: General (grades 0-9), Further (Grades 10-12) and Higher Education Level. Schools can be private- or government-funded, and the educational system is controlled by the national Department of Education.
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Legacy of Apartheid
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During Apartheid, certain provinces lacked appropriate funding and attention from the white-run government. These provinces were typically poor and majority-black. Unfortunately, many of these same disadvantaged provinces like Kwazulu Natal and Eastern Province continue to face certain educational challenges. To address these, the South African government offers no-fee schools in every province that allow parents to educate their children with fewer financial burdens. Additionally, there is the National Schools Nutrition Programme, which feeds millions of students attending primary school in 21 poor areas.
Provinces
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Although the South African Department of Education controls national education overall, each of the country's nine provinces has its own education department. The provinces are Eastern Cape, Free State, Kwazulu Natal, Northern Cape, Western Cape, Guateng, Limpopo, Mpumalanga and North West. These nine provinces handle day-to-day administrative operations in regional schools, with local school governing bodies in charge of making decisions for each of the schools.
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Years of Schooling and Matriculation Year
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In South Africa, learners attend grades 0 through 11 and then go through one year of Matriculation, commonly known as "Matric." During this year, learners satisfy requirements to enter universities. In order to graduate, or "matriculate," learners must take the Senior Certificate Examinations and, once they are passed, will receive a Senior Certificate that will allow them to apply to universities. The Matriculation Board governs what happens during the Matric year.
Paying for School
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Government-funded schools, with small class sizes of approximately 20 students, typically cost between R6,000 to R15,000 (South African Rand or ZAR) per year. Private schools cost between R15,000 to R35,000 per year. ($1--US Dollar-- is approximately equal to R7 as of May 1, 2010). However, as noted above, there are no-fee schools for needy families. Struggling parents can apply for an exemption or reduction in school fees at public schools. If a parent fails to pay their child's school fees, the school can sue. Fortunately, South African law prevents public schools from refusing to admit financially challenged students and prevents schools from refusing to allow these students to participate in sporting or other social events.
General and Further Education Level
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The South African Schools Act of 1996 makes education compulsory for all children from age 7 until 15. Essentially, all children must attend first through ninth grades, which constitute the General Education level. The youngest learners can attend grade 0, which is also known as the Reception year, or go right into first grade. During grades 10 to 12 (the Matric year), learners receive career-oriented and practical training.
Higher Education Level
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Higher Education includes undergraduate and postgraduate study. Unlike the General and Further Education levels, this level is controlled by the national Department of Education. The South African government funds 11 universities, five universities of technology and six comprehensive institutes. There are also hundreds of privately operated universities. South African universities are considered some of the best on the African continent.
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- Photo Credit South Africa image by bluefern from Fotolia.com
