Comparative Education Statistics: Part 2. Black Education: 1960-1983. Report 0-298.

Overview & Synopsis

This second part of a five-part study of education in South Africa traces the development of black education, emphasizing trends since 1960, and examines current problem areas. The following historical phases in the development of black education are outlined: (1) the traditional phase, prior to 1798, during which blacks received no education; (2) the mission phase, from 1799 to 1850, during which blacks were educated by missionaries in church schools; (3) the mission school and government school phase, 1851 to 1958, during which the provincial governments assumed responsibility for black education; and (4) the independence phase, since 1959, during which the independent states established departments of education but the Department of Education and Training retained control of black education in the "white" areas of the Republic of South Africa. A detailed review of the increases in population growth rates and expenditures on education between 1960 and 1983 indicates that financing, facilities, and teacher education have become an urgent priority. The following problems facing educational authorities concerned with black education are identified: (1) backlogs from the past; (2) disparities in education; (3) characteristic Third World growth rates; (4) underqualified teachers; (5) high pupil-teacher ratios; (6) shortage of classrooms; and (7) inadequate funding. Statistical data are included on 45 tables and 13 graphs. Abstracts in English and Afrikaans are also included. A 162-item bibliography and an index are appended. (FMW)