Democratic Education through the Eyes of the Poor: Appraising the Post-Apartheid Experience

Abstract Arguably, one of the major achievements in the 1990s in South Africa was the final toppling of apartheid government and the triumph of democracy over the unjust and unequal past legislation. Since then schools are some of the institutions that have infused democracy ideals into their policies, curriculum and other aspects of school life. The post-apartheid education was formulated with direct links to the Constitution of the Republic. “Education is the key because it empowers us to exercise our democratic rights, and shape our destiny, by giving us the tools to participate in public life, to think critically, and to act responsibly ” [1]. The post-apartheid education policy proclaimed in 1997 also declared that education and the curriculum in particular have an important role to play in realizing the democratic aims of the Constitution. Furthermore, the curriculum aimed to develop the full potential of learners as citizens of a democratic South Africa. The post-apartheid education in South Africa is based on noble values born out of the years of struggle. Education is perceived as a perfect tool to realize the ideals of democracy because it would lead people to be critical citizens, hence they would play a pivotal role in the transformation of society. Yet, there are paradoxes in a democratic society and this article explores some of them