A single national curriculum for a tapestry of diversity. Dr. Zelda Barends (Stellenbosch University, Südafrika)

South Africa is renowned for its rich diversity in language, social dynamics, and economic conditions. According to Watson (2017), SA is one of the most culturally and racially diverse countries in the world, where education had long been governed by colonial and apartheid policies. Watson (2017) further highlights that post-apartheid education has been pivotal in integrating the younger generation into society, fostering a sense of national identity. While education is proven to raise income levels, reduce poverty, and contribute to economic growth, there is an urgent need to rethink its role and approaches in the country’s diverse contexts.

Education in South Africa frequently draws attention, with learner performance being a longstanding subject of debate. The post-apartheid era promised education for all, along with equity and access, as part of the democratic transition 30 years ago. Since then, various commitments to educational transformation and curriculum reform have been made on paper. Although the nation has seen multiple iterations of curriculum changes inspired by noble policy intentions, after 30 years of democracy, these promises—especially concerning education for all, equity, and access—have not been fully realized.

This lecture explores how the national curriculum has been implemented and examines its relevance in addressing social diversity within different contexts. Dr Barends analyses the gap between rhetoric and reality, and the inconsistencies between policy intentions and actual practice, to frame the discussion and provide a set of concluding thoughts.