Challenges, issues facing education in S.A

The subject of education in South Africa remains a critical and emotionally charged topic, particularly in light of movements such as #FeesMustFall, which have brought issues of affordability and quality to the forefront of public discourse. Nic Spaull, an Educational Researcher at Stellenbosch University, joined CNBC Africa to shed light on the challenges facing education in the country. One of the key issues highlighted by Spaull is the inequitable access to quality education based on the ability to pay. He notes that children whose parents can afford to send them to fee-charging schools, which make up only 15% of schools in South Africa, receive a quality education that sets them up for success in life. In contrast, the majority of South African children, around 80%, attend schools with substandard quality that fails to prepare them for future opportunities. This disparity raises fundamental questions about who has access to quality schooling and life chances in the country. Spaull's research underscores the harsh reality that only a small percentage of students in South Africa make it to university, and cost remains a significant barrier for those who do. While calls for free education for all may be idealistic, Spaull suggests that prioritizing support for poorer students through grants, offering a mix of grants and government-backed loans for the 'missing middle,' and requiring wealthier students to pay fees could help address the affordability issue without excluding those who cannot afford to pay. By ensuring that no student is denied education opportunities due to financial constraints, South Africa can work towards a more inclusive and accessible education system. As the country grapples with the challenges of the Fourth Industrial Revolution and the potential job disruptions it may bring, Spaull emphasizes the importance of balancing the acquisition of basic skills with preparing students for the future workforce. While technology can play a crucial role in advancing education, Spaull cautions against overlooking the foundational skills of reading, writing, and numeracy, which many African students currently lack upon completing primary school. He stresses that addressing these basics is essential before delving into more advanced 21st-century skills like collaboration and creativity. In conclusion, the conversation with Nic Spaull sheds light on the complex landscape of education in South Africa, where issues of affordability, accessibility, and quality intersect to shape the opportunities available to the country's youth. By addressing these challenges through targeted support for underprivileged students, rethinking funding models, and balancing traditional skills with technological advancements, South Africa can work towards a more equitable and effective education system.