Exploring the Achievements of the Department of Basic Education in South Africa

Introduction

Since the end of apartheid, the South African government has made it a priority to improve the quality of education in the country. In 1994, the Department of Basic Education was established to oversee the education system in South Africa, and it has made significant achievements in the years since.

This article will explore some of the key achievements of the Department of Basic Education in South Africa and how they have impacted education in the country.

The National Curriculum Statement

One of the most significant achievements of the Department of Basic Education is the development of the National Curriculum Statement (NCS). The NCS serves as a framework for teaching and learning in South Africa and was introduced in 2005.

The NCS has helped to standardize the education system in South Africa and ensure that learners in all provinces are receiving the same education. It has also provided a clear structure for educators to follow, which has helped to improve the quality of teaching in the country.

Improved Access to Education

Another achievement of the Department of Basic Education is the improvement in access to education. Since the end of apartheid, the government has made significant investments in education, which has led to more learners attending school.

In 1994, the enrolment rate for primary school was around 85%, but by 2018, it had increased to 99%. Similarly, the enrolment rate for secondary school increased from 52% in 1994 to 81% in 2018.

The Department of Basic Education has also made efforts to ensure that learners from historically disadvantaged backgrounds have better access to education. For example, the government provides free education to learners from poor households and has built new schools in underserved areas.

Improved Matric Results

The matriculation exam is the South African equivalent of the high school diploma in the United States. Matric results are an important indicator of the quality of education in the country, and the Department of Basic Education has made significant improvements in this area.

In 2019, the matric pass rate was 81.3%, which was an improvement from the 70.2% pass rate in 2009. The Department of Basic Education has also made efforts to improve the quality of the matric exam and ensure that it is a fair and accurate assessment of learners’ knowledge.

Conclusion

The Department of Basic Education has made significant achievements in improving the quality of education in South Africa. The NCS has helped to standardize the education system, while the government’s investment in education has led to improved access to schooling.

The Department of Basic Education has also made efforts to improve the quality of teaching and instruction, which has led to improved matric results. Despite these achievements, there are still challenges in the education system, such as the high drop-out rate and unequal access to education.

Overall, the Department of Basic Education has made significant progress in improving education in South Africa, and its achievements are worth celebrating.