19 January Daniel's Birthday

Discussion around the state of education in South Africa:

The current situation is no different from Apartheid times; Rich people have a decent education and poor have sub-standard, the difference is that it’s no longer racially determined. The notion of a dignified, substantial education, available to all is not happening. Education should be the priority of any political agenda, and currently this does not seem to be the case.

• ·         Are the problems lying at a policy level, which apparently are in place, or is it an administrative issue? Or is it a cultural issue that the general population has poor experience and exposure to education and therefore lacks deeper understanding of is importance?
• ·         What is education?
• ·         Can it assist in self individuation and cultural/social integration?
• ·         Is it just the politicking of politicians?
• ·         Why do neighbouring African countries like Zimbabwe, with similar histories, have better education systems, producing superior students?
• ·         With the cultural, social and economic diversity in a situation like South Africa, is it possible to have a one size fits all education system?
• ·         Does one size ever fit all?