Education, Race, and Social Change in South Africa

Education, Race, and Social Change in South Africa examines the deep-rooted issues of higher education in South Africa, highlighting the complex interplay between race, politics, and access to education. Beginning with the colonial foundations of South African higher education in the early 19th century, it traces the development of institutions such as the University of Cape Town and the University of Fort Hare, reflecting the segregated nature of the education system. As the country transitioned to a republic in the 20th century, the policies of apartheid shaped the university landscape, leading to the creation of separate institutions for various racial groups. The book explores how these divisions have persisted, particularly in the context of racial inequalities in enrollment and access to quality education, with black students historically underrepresented in South Africa’s leading universities.

The study also delves into the evolving nature of South African higher education in the face of racial segregation, examining the impact of political shifts on the educational landscape. With the rise of the National Party in 1948 and the implementation of strict segregation policies, the book explores the creation of ethnic universities for non-white students and the ongoing challenges faced by these institutions in providing quality education. The book raises critical questions about the future of education in South Africa, focusing on the need for reform to bridge the educational divide, address teacher shortages, and promote greater racial integration within universities. It also considers the role of international collaboration and aid in fostering educational opportunities for black South Africans and suggests possible pathways for achieving equitable educational access.

This title is part of UC Press's Voices Revived program, which commemorates University of California Press’s mission to seek out and cultivate the brightest minds and give them voice, reach, and impact. Drawing on a backlist dating to 1893, Voices Revived makes high-quality, peer-reviewed scholarship accessible once again using print-on-demand technology. This title was originally published in 1982.