This thesis reflected upon the historical roots of the problems which prevent parents, teachers and the state from fulfilling their societal functions in such a way that a culture of teaching and learning is established. It was emphasised that during the traditional period (1554-1799) parents, teachers and the state (chiefs) played a leading role in the upbringing of children to the extent that there were few factors militating against the establishment of a culture of
teaching and learning. From 1799 up to 1910 education was under the control of missionaries. Missionaries made the
mistake of encouraging the weakening of traditional values once effectively employed in raising
children. Parents were not given an opportunity to play an effective role in the education oftheir
children. Schools lacked resources. Teachers were poorly paid and ill qualified. In spite of
these shortcomings, missionaries did more good than harm in creating favourable conditions for
teaching and learning. It was also indicated that from 1910 up to 1953 education was under the control of the missionaries
and provincial administrations (backed by the Union Government). The era was characterised by:
• The state giving increasing financial assistance to schools
• The teachers' fight for the improvement of their conditions of service and resources.
• The limited participation given to parents in educational matters concerning their
children.
It was further indicated that when Bantu Education was introduced in 1953, schools became political
battle-fields. Through the influence of political organisations, parents, teachers and school
children organised strikes took place in protest against the Bantu Education system. The state
relied on repressive measures to control education. The activities of political organisations and
the state led to the breakdown of the culture of
teaching and learning. The threatening situation in the country towards the late 1970s caused the
state to realise the urgency of bringing reforms into education. The reforms brought about by the
state were rejected by parents, teachers and school children. This resulted in the continuation of
the crisis in education. Despite the dawn of the New Dispensation in 1990 parents, teachers and
the state are worried by the deepening education crisis manifested in factors such as violence,
increasing use of drugs and the Aids epidemic.
Finally, it was indicated that there are no instant solutions to the deepening education crisis.
What is important is that parents, teachers and the state should make a united effort to bring
about a gradual improvement. / Educational Studies / D. Ed.(History of Education)
| Identifer | oai:union.ndltd.org:netd.ac.za/oai:union.ndltd.org:unisa/oai:uir.unisa.ac.za:10500/665 |
| Date | 11 1900 |
| Creators | Shiluvane, Samuel Mugebisa |
| Contributors | Van Niekerk, E. J. |
| Source Sets | South African National ETD Portal |
| Language | English |
| Detected Language | English |
| Type | Thesis |
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