Transforming Education in South Africa: Lessons from the Mozambican Experience

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Periodical article

Title:	Transforming Education in South Africa: Lessons from the Mozambican Experience
Author:	Schoeman, S.
Year:	1999
Periodical:	Africanus
Volume:	29
Issue:	1
Pages:	33-44
Language:	English
Geographic term:	Mozambique
Subjects:	educational reform Education and Oral Traditions Development and Technology
Abstract:	This article examines some educational developments in postindependence Mozambique (1975-1998). In the period 1975-1983 educational development was aimed at eliminating illiteracy, developing a new curriculum, altering the teaching methods, choosing an international language as language of instruction, altering the role of teacher, and democratizing the schools. In 1983 a new system of education (NSE) was introduced as a total break with the colonial inheritance and to replace the provisional measures of the early years of independence. The reforms of 1983, however, have been short-circuited by war and destabilization, and the Mozambican government's dedication to the Marxist model of development, which almost destroyed the country's economy. The lessons to be learned from the Mozambican case study are that if new educational strategies are to be developed in South Africa, the following aspects, amongst others, will be key elements in their success: the pursuit of pedagogical outcomes only, efficient and dedicated personnel, and ample facilities and teaching materials. Bibliogr., note.