EDUCATION IN SOUTH AFRICA

• 24 years ago a free nation was born, however the education system is still scarred by the inequalities of Apartheid.
• South Africa spends a larger proportion of its budget on education than any of the neighbours, but the return on investment is low. Learners continue to perform poorly in school exit examinations and international tests such as TIMMS.
• First year students are largely underprepared for the demands of tertiary education. This results in high attrition and low throughput rates.
• The country has a critical shortage of scientists and engineers. Science education is a national priority.

CURRENT STATE OF CHEMISTRY EDUCATION RESEARCH

• Growing number of enthusiastic researchers in chemistry education.
• Many carry out research into enhancing courses for pre-service and in-service science teachers which is important in a country where there is a large cohort of under-qualified teachers.
• Some of the researchers are acknowledged to be among the leaders in their research area, e.g. Marissa Rollnick and Elizabeth Mavhunga for Topic-Specific Pedagogical Content Knowledge.
• Research in tertiary chemistry education is also established at most of the top universities.

Nelson Mandela:

“Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world.”

“The power of education extends beyond the development of skills we need for economic success. It can contribute to nation-building and reconciliation. The Apartheid system emphasized the physical and other differences of South Africans with devastating effects. We are steadily but surely introducing education that enables our children to exploit their similarities and common goals, while appreciating the strength in their diversity.”