The “Rainbow Nation” of South Africa came into existence with its first democratic election in April of 1994

· Independent school (Schools which were previously called “private schools” are now referred to as “independent schools”)

As from January 1997 the term ‘standard’ was replaced with ‘grade’, therefore the first year of a child’s schooling will be grade 1 with grade 12 being the equivalent to Standard 10 or Matric.

The school year lasts 196-198 days and the academic calendar is divided into a quarter system (with a few exceptions within the independent schools, which may run on a semester system). The academic year begins in early January and ends in early December. Each quarter is approximately 10 weeks in length. The major school holidays, which occur in July and December, are more or less 6 weeks in length, with shorter holidays of 2 weeks occurring usually in March or April and September or October. The 5-6 hour long academic day is divided into teaching periods of 30-35 minutes in length, although some teaching periods are doubled, especially for science practicals and technical subjects.

Subject curriculum and materials are set within a national core syllabus which provinces must adhere to. Grade 8 students must pass 10 examinations subjects per year. Grade 9 students must pass 11 examination subjects per year.

At the end of the Junior Secondary Phase in grade 9, students are required to chose an academic “Package” or “Set” which is a combination of six or more subjects which determine

the coursework for the remainder of their school career. Once chosen, the subject choices are seldom changed and form the basis for the matric examination, which occurs in grade 12.

Entry into university, technikon or training colleges for various majors usually requires a specific “package” in high school. For example, entry into the fields of Medicine and Health Sciences requires that the student take Physical Science, Biology and Mathematics. Therefore, students must determine to a great extent, their academic and professional future in grade 9.

Although possible “sets” or “packages” are almost limitless, the timetable by which each individual school is run, the amount of teachers at a particular school and subjects offered at each school can limit the amount of sets offered by a school to 6 or less. For example, if a student wishes to take Science and Biology as well as Math and Drama and the timetable is such that Drama is taught during one of the other subjects, that particular set cannot be offered.

* Languages on the first and second level must include any of the 11 official languages. Third languages may include any of the above plus: Chinese, French, German, Hebrew, Italian, Latin, and Spanish. “First Language” subjects are taught at a much more comprehensive level than second and third level language study, and include the study of literature in that given language.

At the end of the senior secondary phase, pupils write a public examination in a minimum of six subjects and a maximum of eight. With the exception of the language papers, the examination is conducted either in English or Afrikaans.

The public matric examination is conducted at two levels: Higher and Standard Grade. In order to gain admission to university, a student must pass at least 4 of the 6 subjects (including both languages) on higher grade, giving the qualification of a senior certificate with “exemption”. The new “Language in Education Policy of 1997” requires that matriculants need pass only one official language plus any other language of their choice. For university entrance purposes, however, learners must pass two official languages of which one must be the university’s language of instruction.

The Matriculation Examination lasts 20 school days and usually begins early in November of the grade 12 year. Panels drawn from teachers who are currently teaching that subject mark the various papers. Marking is done at one venue at the same time for each subject.

In addition to the provincial matric exam, an examination run by the Independent Examinations Board (IEB) is offered. Founded in 1988 as a non-profit company and funded by the private sector, its specific aim was to prepare to run a non-racial school leaving examination when the Joint Matriculation Board closed its examination function in 1992. Primarily used by Independent Schools, the IEB exam is looked on unofficially as offering an exam that is based on a higher order of cognitive thinking and analytical skills. Beginning in 1993 the IEB ran school-leaving examinations around the country. As of 1997, the total amount of 12^th grade students in

South Africa

who wrote the IEB exam amounted to approximately 4,900 from 185 schools. The IEB also run standardized tests for Grade 9 and Adult Continuing and Basic Education Examinations. The IEB have their own panel of markers for all of the exams. The timetable for the matriculation examination differs from that of the provincial exams, usually starting and finishing earlier.

During the middle of grade 12, students must register for the subject exams they wish to write for the Senior Certificate

On the examination as a whole, the candidate must accumulate an aggregate of 720 marks (40% of the total of possible marks). Only six subjects will be counted in reaching the aggregate.

The candidate may not write both the provincial and Independent Board Examination.

*With the exemption of university entrance which requires that 2 official languages be part of the exam

Grading is done on a point system with a maximum of 400 points for subjects written on the higher grade and a maximum of 300 points for subjects written on standard grade as well as for the second language (higher grade). Therefore, a student who writes 6 subjects for the matric examination on higher grade may earn a total of 2300 marks. Entrance into university, technikons or training colleges require a minimum of points determined within the department of each tertiary institution.

The grading shown on the certificate will show a symbol for each subject as well as the total percentile range that the student achieved for all subjects. The mark will be shown as a symbol followed by a percent range, for example: C 60% -69%. The aggregate of points will also fall into a range i.e.: 1200-1439. This type of assessment makes it impossible to determine whether or not the student achieved a high, low or middle C mark for a subject or exactly what the point aggregate was. Rather, it shows the range into which the student fell.

Results are issued within 4 weeks after the exam is taken (IEB issuing sooner than the provincial board). Results are first issued in the newspapers denoting the students name and number and symbols which indicate whether the student obtained a senior certificate, a senior certificate with exemption and if the student achieved one or more distinctions. Earning an “A” in any subject, either on higher or standard grade is termed a distinction. Students who have failed are not mentioned in the newspaper. The schools are notified of the student’s marks and the student will receive a copy of their senior certificate. The certificates are issued to the students several months after the exam has been written.

A student who has written the matric examination, whether through the provincial examination or through the Independent Examination Board, is presented with a “Senior Certificate”. The Senior Certificates are issued by the South African Certification Council (Safcert) and contain the students name, date of birth, subjects passed denoting whether the subject was on higher or standard grade, the aggregate of points earned, the date and the signature of the Executive Officer as well as an individual number assigned to each certificate.

Technical colleges and other institutions offer post-school vocational education. The major categories of students are school-leavers requiring career-orientated training, adults wanting to improve their qualifications and persons retraining for another vocation or training in handicraft, commercial, social and community-orientated courses.

Instructional programs are developed in terms of six broad vocational fields: Engineering, Business, Arts, Agriculture, Utility Industries and Social Services. The courses are very practical based and include theory and design. The levels of training, examination and certification extend from N1 to N6. Safcert issues certificates for the programs.

At present, only one of the 129 technical colleges in

South Africa

offers distance education. A number of technical colleges have accreditation agreements with technikons, thus enhancing the mobility of technical college students to tertiary education at a technikon.

Par-time classes are provided for people interested in learning useful skill such as gardening, cookery and needlework. Language courses are also offered.

Universities and Technikons in

South Africa

are autonomous institutions in that their respective councils are fully responsible for their management.

The Government, however, is publicly accountable for the subsidies paid to universities and technikons. In order to ensure that the overall remuneration of educators at universities or technikons conforms to accepted norms, ceiling values are imposed on the average remuneration of university and Technikon educators.

In February 1996, the Government announced that it planned to spend 23.25 per cent – or R830 million (

U.S.

equivalent $208 million) more on subsidies to universities and technikons in 1996. About 31 per cent more would be spent on technikons compared to 20.9 per cent increase for universities. For many institutions, the subsidy increases were the first in almost a decade. The allocations also favored historically black institutions, mainly because student numbers played a large part in the subsidy formula.

The Government does not prescribe the determination of the conditions of service for individual educators at universities or technikons.

Technikons (known until 1979 as Colleges of Advanced Technical Education) provide vocational education on a tertiary level in order to supply the labor market with people who have particular skills, adequate technological and practical knowledge, and the necessary personal qualities to play a leading role in the working community. At of 1997, only one of the 15 technikons in

South Africa

offers distance tuition.

The Technikons Act of 1993 enabled technikons to provide degree studies and confer Technikon degrees. The implementation of this provision will, however, require the declaration of general policy by the national Minister of Education.

The Certification Council for Technikon Education (Sertec) was established to ensure that comparable standards of teaching and examination are adhered to by all technikons. Sertec issues certificates to successful candidates at technikons, which comply with the examination requirements, norms and standards of Sertec.

The Certification Council for Technikon Education Amendment Act of 1993 enables Sertec to accredit instructional courses presented by technikons and agricultural colleges, and to certify qualifications obtained at agricultural colleges.

Prospective students may enroll for any of the following certificates or diplomas: 18 National Certificates, 9 National Higher Certificates, 175 three-year National Diplomas, 120 National Higher Diplomas, 70 Master’s Diplomas in Technology and 20 Laureates in Technology.

A Senior Certificate or a Senior Certificate with Exemption with minimum number of points is required for entry into a Technikon. The various departments within each Technikon set the specific entry requirements.

Colleges of Education

Colleges of Education offer three or four-year diploma courses for initial qualifications for primary or secondary school teaching. Colleges may also assist universities by offering certain courses for the primary or secondary school phase.

A number of colleges have entered into agreements with universities, enabling joint endorsement of the certification of teachers. As a result, students may obtain credits towards a university degree in respect of courses included in their Diploma of Education. Some colleges of education offer a Bachelor of Primary Education degree, which is conferred by a university.

Each of the nine provinces of

South Africa

has a number of colleges of education to cater for teacher training in that province.

The Educator’s Certificate for unqualified or under qualified teachers aims to provide professional qualifications in the shortest possible time and without compromising standards. The teaching of mathematics, science and languages will receive special attention, and students will receive tuition in these subjects for at least two years. Because of the recognition of prior learning, matric need not necessarily be a requirement for the Educator’s Certificate for teachers who already have extensive teaching experience. The standard of the course will be equivalent to two years post-matric and the course will provide access to M3 (Matric plus 3 years’ teacher training) qualification. The Department of Education has approved the program and the curriculum.

Entry into a teacher’s training college requires a Senior Certificate with the number of points required set by each specific college.

Universities

South Africa

has 21 full-fledged universities, two of which are mainly non-residential institutions offering distance tuition. Universities in

South Africa

offer a large number of degrees: 144 first or Bachelor’s degrees, 72 Honors degrees, 202 Mater’s degrees and 127 Doctoral degrees.

With most undergraduate degrees consisting of 3 years of study (the exceptions are professional programs such as medicine, law, engineering, architecture etc.) admission into a graduate program in

South Africa

would require completion of an “Honors Program”. These programs are generally one year in length and require a pass rate of 68% in the final year of a 3-year degree in order to gain admission. Places in the “Honors Program” are limited and competition is keen. Honors courses are by course-work and by special permission Honors Degrees may include options from more than one discipline.

Masters Degrees in most fields consist of a Dissertation/Thesis and depending on the program range in length from 1 to 2 years.

Entry into a first year undergraduate program requires a Senior Certificate with an exemption. Specific departments within each university set the minimum number of points required and high school subject fulfillment.

Medical University of

South Africa

(MEDUNSA) : P O Medunsa 0204. Tel (012) 529-4111

University Durban-Westville: PRIVATE BAG X54001, Durban 4000. Tel (031) 820-9111

University of the North-West: PRIVATE BAG X2046, Mmabatho, 8681. Tel (0140)89-2111.

University of the Orange Free State: Box 339, Bloemfontein 9300. Tel (051) 401-9111

University of Stellenbosch: PRIVATE BAG X5018, Stellenbosch 7599. Tel (02231) 77-9111

University of the Western Cape: PRIVATE BAG X167, Bellville 7535. Tel (021) 959-2911

The Technikons Act of 1993 enabled technikons to provide degree studies and confer Technikon degrees on three levels: Bachelor, Master’s and Doctoral. These degrees are recognized as equal to South African university degrees.

Boarder Technikon: Box 1421, East London 5200. Tel (043) 708 5200 Fax (043) 708 5331

Cape Technikon: Box 652, Cape Town 8000. Tel (021) 460 3911 Fax: (021) 460 3695

Eastern Cape Technikon: PRIVATE BAG X3182 Butterworth 4960. Tel (0474) 401 2000 Fax: (0474) 492 0735

Free State Technikon: PRIVATE BAG X20539 Bloemfontein 9300. Tel (051) 507 3911 Fax: (051) 507 3199

Mangosuthu Technikon: Box 12363, Jacobs 4026. Tel (031) 907 7111 Fax: (031) 907 2892

M.L. Sultan Technikon: Box 1334, Durban 4000. Tel (031) 308 5000 Fax: (031) 308 5194

Natal Technikon: Box 953, Durban 4000. Tel (031) 204 2111 Fax: (031) 202 3405

Northern Gauteng Technikon: PRIVATE BAG X7, Pretoria North 0116. Tel (012) 799 9000 Fax: (012) 793 0966

North West Technikon: P.O. Box 1263, Rosslyn, 0200 Tel: (012) 204 2111 Fax: (012) 7032255

Peninsula Technikon: Box 1906 Bellville 7535. Tel (021) 959-6911 Fax: (021) 951 5617

Port Elizabeth Technikon: PRIVATE BAG X6011 Port Elizabeth 6000. Tel (041) 504 3911 Fax: (041) 583 3644

Pretoria Technikon: PRIVATE BAG X680 Pretoria 0001. Tel (012) 318 5911 Fax: (012) 318 5114

Technikon South Africa: PRIVATE BAG X6 Florida 1710. Tel (011) 471 2000 Fax: (011) 471 2134

Vaal Triangle Technikon: PRIVATE BAG X021 Vanderbijlpark 1900. Tel (016) 950 9000 Fax: (012) 950 9999

Witwatersrand Technikon: Box 17011 Doornfontein 2028. Tel (011) 406 2911 Fax: (011) 402 0475

A Listing Of The Various Degree Programs Available At South African Technikons

(Key: B = Bachelor Degree (4 Years) M = Master’s (5 Years) D = Doctoral (7 Years)

(As listed in the 1999 “Committee of Technikon Principals (CTP) Report”)

Major	Level of Degree	Major	Level of Degree	Major	Level of Degree
Adult Basic Education and Training	B	Engineering: Chemical	B, M, D	Nature Conservation	B, M, D
Agricultural Management	B	Engineering: Civil	B, M, D	Nursing: Community	B, M, D
Agriculture	B, M, D	Engineering: Industrial	B, M, D	Nursing: Occupational, Primary Care,	B, M, D
Agriculture: Animal Production	B	Engineering: Mechanical	B, M, D	Nursing: Oncology	B, M, D
Architectural Technology	B, M, D	Engineering: Metallurgy	B, M, D	Oceanography	B
Archival Studies	B, M, D	Environmental Health	B, M, D	Open Space and Recreation Management	B, M, D
Banking	B	Environmental Management	B, M, D	Optometry	B
Biomedical Technology	B, M, D	Extraction Metallurgy	B, M, D	Performing Arts Technology	B, M, D
Biotechnology	B, M, D	Fashion	B, M, D	Photography	B, M, D
Business Administration	B, M, D	Finance and Accounting (Public)	B	Podiatry	B, M, D
Business Communication	B	Financial Information Systems	B	Policing	B
Cartography	B, M, D	Fine Art	B, M, D	Production Management	B, M, D
Ceramic Design	B, M, D	Food and Nutrition	B, M, D	Public Management	B, M, D
Chemistry	B, M, D	Food Service Management	B, M, D	Public Relations Management	B, M, D
Child and Youth Development	B	Food Technology	B, M, D	Pulp and Paper	B
Chiropractic	B, M, D	Forestry	B, M, D	Purchasing Management	B
Clinical Technology	B, M, D	Geology	B, M, D	Quality	B, M, D
Clothing Management	B, M, D	Graphic Design	B, M, D	Quantity Surveying	B, M, D
Commercial Administration	B, M, D	Homeopathy	B, M, D	Radiography: Diagnostic	B, M, D
Computer Science and Data Processing	D	Horticulture	B, M, D	Radiography: Nuclear Medicine	B, M, D
Computer Systems	B, M, D	Hospitality Management	B, M, D	Radiography: Therapy	B, M, D
Construction Management	B, M, D	Human Resources Management	B, M, D	Radiography: Ultrasound	B, M, D
Corporate Administration	B, M, D	Industrial Design	B, M, D	Real Estate	B, M, D
Correctional Services Management	B, M, D	Information Technology	B, M, D	Retail Business Management	B
Cost and Management Accounting	B, M, D	Interior Design	B, M, D	Safety Management	B
Credit Management	B	Internal Auditing	B, M, D	Security Management	B
Dance	B, M, D	International Communication	B	Somatology	B, M, D
Dental Technology	B, M, D	Jewelry Design and Manufacture	B, M, D	Sports and Exercise Science	B
Design	M, D	Journalism	B, M, D	Surveying	B, M, D
Drama	B, M, D	Labor Relations	B	Taxation	B, M, D
Economic Management Analysis	B	Landscape Technology	B	Textile Design And Technology	B, M, D
Education	M, D	Language Practice	B, M, D	Tourism Management	B
Education: Commerce	B	Library and Information Technology	B, M, D	Town and Regional Planning	B, M, D
Education: Home Economics	B	Light Music	B	Transport Economics	B
Education: Natural Sciences	B	Local Government Finance	B	Transportation Management	B
Education: Post School	B	Logistics	M, D	Veterinary Technology	B, M, D
Education: Technical	B	Management	B	Water Care	B, M, D
Education: Technology	B	Management Services	B	Wood Technology	B
Emergency Medical Care	B	Marketing	B, M, D

Created by Roberta Paola, 05-10-00

United States Consulate, Durban, South Africa

Education of the Future

“Curriculum 2005” was the result of a process of review and renewal of the South African Educational system within the NQF (National Qualifications Framework). Eight areas of learning were formed that will be the basis of the new South African curriculum, namely:

· Language, Literacy and Communications

· Mathematical Literacy, Mathematics and Mathematical Sciences

· Human and Social Sciences

· Natural Sciences

· Technology

· Economics

· Arts and Culture

· Life Orientation

The Outcomes Based Education (OBE) system is based on a structure that begins by recognizing the critical skills, knowledge and values that are deemed important for all South Africans to acquire. The areas of learning are expanded into specific outcomes in each of the eight groups. The OBE system defines very clear outcomes. Through assessment, both educators and learners are able to determine whether these outcomes have been achieved. The learner’s progress is measured against these outcomes rather than against his/her performance. For this reason, there will be no passing or failing. Learners who do not meet the criteria for attaining a standard can apply for re-assessment. The learner will decide when he or she is ready for assessment. At the end of Grades 9 and 12 there will be a comprehensive external assessment. Some external assessment will also be done at the end of Grades 3 and 6.

The introduction of Curriculum 2005 will be done in phases, starting with grades 1 and 7 in 1998. The following table outlines implementation plans:

GRADES	YEAR OF IMPLEMENTATION
1 and 7*	1998
2 and 8	1999
3 and 9	2000
4 and 10	2001
5 and 11	2002
6 and 12	2003

*As of February 1998, implementation of grade 7 into Curriculum 2005 has been delayed until the following year.

All teachers were introduced to the OBE program in 1997. Facilitators will be trained in each province and will then be responsible for conveying the information to the teachers. The years 2004 and 2005 will see a fundamental review of the new curriculum with a view to improving and refining the achievements of the goals of OBE.

The types of qualifications in terms of years of education is presented in the chart below:

School NQF Band Types of Qualifications and

Grades Certificates

8 Higher Doctorates

Education Further research degrees

7 and

Training

6 Band Degrees, Diplomas &

Certificates

Further Education and Training Certificate

12 4 Further School/College/NGO’s

Education Training certificates, mix of units

And School/College/NGO’s

11 3 Training Training certificates, mix of units

Band

10 2 School/College/NGO’s

Training certificates, mix of units

General Education and Training Certificate

8 1 General Senior Phase

7 Education

6 and Intermediate

5 Training Phase

4 Band

2 Foundation

1 Phase

R Pre-school

Certificates in the OBE system:

· Grades 1-9, formed from the Foundation Phase (grades 1-3), the Intermediate Phase (grades 4-6) and the Senior Phase (grades 7-9) is the first section of the General Education and Training band of National Qualifications Framework (NQF), which is a nine year long compulsory schooling band. At the end of this band the General Education and Certificate (GETC) is given.

· The Further Education and Training Certificate (FETC) will be given at the end of formal schooling, Grade 12. Learners, including adults, who reach this equivalent outside of formal schooling will also receive the FETC.

· Within the Higher Education and Training band (HET) learners will be able to obtain certificates and diplomas offered mainly by colleges, and degrees offered by technikons and University.

The national Department of Education will provide a set of National Curriculum Guidelines for provincial education departments to adapt for their specific needs. The national Department will actively assist the provincial departments in the initial implementation of OBE. Once OBE is established, the national Department will provide a monitoring and advisory service to the provinces.

Summary

As of the time of editing and updating this article (October 2002) from its original creation on 1998, the South African educational system has and continues to suffer from a constant state of flux. The government’s endeavor to provide equal education for all necessitates new legislation, new formats, new syllabuses and basic, new systems.

While the current framework will most likely remain the same for the next few years, one should be aware that minor change, and perhaps even major, substantial change will invariably take place.

Placement Recommendations

(Placement recommendations should be use in conjunction with the appropriate section of the text)

Educational Background of Students from South Africa	Placement Recommendations for U.S. Admissions Officers
Primary and Secondary Levels
Persons who have completed less than the Senior Certificate	May be placed in primary or secondary school on a year-for-year basis
Holders of the Senior Certificate	May be placed in vocational technical schools
Holders of the Senior Certificate with exemption	May be considered for freshman admission

Tertiary Level

Holders of Technikon Degrees or Diplomas	May be considered for freshman admission if holder has senior certificate with exemption

Holders of University credits	May be considered for transfer admission with credit on a course-by-course basis

Holders of University Degrees (4 years or 3 Years plus “Honors”	May be considered for Master’s Degree

GRADE LEVEL	CURRENT	FORMER
Senior Secondary	Grade 12	Standard 10, Form 6, Matric
Senior Secondary	Grade 11	Standard 9, Form 5
Senior Secondary	Grade 10	Standard 8, Form 4
Junior Secondary	Grade 9	Standard 7, Form 3
Junior Secondary	Grade 8	Standard 6, Form 2
Senior Primary	Grade 7	Standard 5, Form 1
Senior Primary	Grade 6	Standard 4
Senior Primary	Grade 5	Standard 3
Senior Primary	Grade 4	Standard 2
Junior Primary	Grade 3	Standard 1
Junior Primary	Grade 2	Class 2, Sub Standard B
Junior Primary	Grade 1	Class 1, Sub Standard A

Symbol	Percentage
“A”	80 – 100%
“B”	70 – 79%
“C”	60 – 69%
“D”	50 –59%
“E”	40 – 49%
“F”	33.3 – 39% (lowest passing mark)
“G”	25 – 33%
“H”	0 –24%

Colleges of Education

Colleges of Education offer three or four-year diploma courses for initial qualifications for primary or secondary school teaching. Colleges may also assist universities by offering certain courses for the primary or secondary school phase.

Universities

GRADES

YEAR OF IMPLEMENTATION

Grades Certificates

8 Higher Doctorates

Education Further research degrees

Training

6 Band Degrees, Diplomas &

Certificates

Primary and Secondary Levels