Has democracy led to the demise of racism in South Africa? A search for the answer in Gauteng schools

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Periodical article

Title:	Has democracy led to the demise of racism in South Africa? A search for the answer in Gauteng schools
Author:	Pillay, Jace
Year:	2014
Periodical:	Africa Education Review (ISSN 1753-5921)
Volume:	11
Issue:	2
Pages:	146-163
Language:	English
Geographic term:	South Africa
Subjects:	racism schools
External link:	https://doi.org/10.1080/18146627.2014.927147
Abstract:	This paper interrogates the misplaced belief that at the time of the framing of the South African Constitution a transition to popular democratic representation would miraculously end racism within the country. Would the first post-apartheid generation be free of the prejudices of the previous generations, or would the legacy of the old disposition be too pervasive to shake off? The author argues that the latter part of the question is more applicable since the effects of apartheid, colonialism, and imperialism are deeply entrenched in most people. He validates this argument by researching whether racism still exists in schools 20 years into democratic rule. The research, qualitative in nature, was based on interviews and questionnaires with school principals and educators in four formerly white schools - two primary and two secondary - in Gauteng. The findings indicate that racism persists in these schools and is considered a serious problem by principals and educators. The causes of the prevalence of racism are discussed, as well as warning signals of racism and strategies to combat it. Bibliogr. [Journal abstract, edited]