Magister Educationis - MEd / There is a continual reaction to educational systems by other social groupings. To a large extend education is determined by persons other than educationalists. The social context has a definite influence on a system of education. In South Africa the different political groupings are reacting to the present educational system. These political groupings each has different political aspirations and expectations. As political aspirations relate closely to educational aspirations, it follows that these political groupings will have different educational aspirations. The political groupings recently exerting the most influence in the educational field in South Africa have been the National Party (NP), the United Democratic Front (UDF) and the Azanian People's Organization (AZAPO). In this research attention is given to the role and influence of these groupings, their educational aspirations, and the degree to which their aspirations are educationally sound. At the outset an attempt is made to determine certain criteria for an educational justifiable educational system. These criteria are used throughout as the standard in terms of which the different aspirations are evaluated. Thereafter each of the groups, the NP, the UDF and AZAPO, is examined individually. To ascertain the educational aspirations of each in the correct perspective, the role each of these groups plays in the educational the political arena is examined. Subsequently aims resulting from the political aims are examined. An extensive literary study was undertaken to inform the research. As education is very topical at present, newspaper reports, magazine and journal articles, as well as relevant research reports and other primary sources have been used in the study. Finally the conclusion is reached that each of the educational aspirations has its strengths and deficiencies and an attempt is made to set a vision for the future.