By Sixolise Gclilishe
The Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) aims to address and reverse the systemic challenges that have disadvantaged many in modern-day South Africa. The majority of the black population confronts numerous obstacles, including economic disparities and unequal access to quality education, among many other issues. This is the legacy of apartheid, which continues to be reinforced by existing discriminatory institutions.
The South African education system remains plagued by disparities, which disproportionately affect children from underprivileged families. These inequalities hinder access to quality education and, as a result, prevent many of the youth from reaching their full potential, reflecting the urgency for reform and support within the system. Despite the fact that apartheid ended thirty years ago the democratic government has failed to repurpose the education system, which discriminates against the poor. This transformation requires and demands a free, high-quality, decolonised educational system that gives all students, especially the black majority, equal chances.
The EFF firmly believes that education could be used as a tool for economic emancipation and social justice. Education is a powerful tool which has the capacity to shape the country’s direction, leadership and societal institutions. Mjiba Frehiwot, a research fellow at the University of Ghana, details in her paper titled “Pan-African Education: A Case Study of the Kwame Nkrumah Ideological Institute” that education embodies society’s history, culture, values, and principles.
This perspective contributes to the EFF’s 3rd National People’s Assembly (NPA) and seeks to diagnose South Africa’s education system, which is critical for the nation’s emancipation. It aims to offer solutions that are ideologically aligned with the Founding Manifesto adopted at the 1st Assembly.
EFF’s Plan of Action to Reform the Educational System
The Founding Manifesto outlines seven non-negotiable pillars. Amongst them is education. It highlights the pressing need for accessible and free quality education, which encompasses not only the provision of resources but also the necessary support for both students and teachers. Improving infrastructure, expanding Early Childhood Development (ECD), and coordinating higher education with South Africa’s industrial and developmental needs are all part of the EFF’s educational vision.
For the country to attain economic development and growth, a deliberate education system that is intent on empowering the youth and equipping them for the professional world is vital. This means prioritising skills, knowledge, and expertise in various fields. This would contribute to the development of an industrial economy that creates jobs and redistributes wealth to the majority rather than a small number of minorities in the globalised economy.
Practically Preparing Youth Through Higher Education & Training
Raising the literacy rate and equipping all citizens with the fundamental skills they need to navigate through life are the objectives. As detailed in the Founding Manifesto and higher training, transformation should encapsulate various interventions including the introduction of well resourced, free education, alignment of skills to industrial sectors and the expansion of post-secondary education and training. A body that comprises the government, labour, civil society, students, workers, and the private sector should be established to oversee higher education and training in South Africa in order to accomplish these objectives.
Along with this, fee-free education will be provided and made compulsory for all learners to pursue post-secondary education and training at universities, universities of technology, and TVET colleges. This fee-free will be funded through four sources: the pension fund levy, the skills levy, government direct allocation, and the corporate income levy. These four models will be able to source and allocate adequate funding for higher education in South Africa.
In addition to fee free quality education, Parliament must pass a law that will zero-rate all educational apps and content in computers, laptops, tablets and phones to ensure all students have access. The goal is to create work-ready adults who can actively contribute and participate in the economy. Therefore, higher education and training should be closely linked to practical work in order to prepare capable students with adequate knowledge and experience of what they are doing.
Supporting Early Childhood Development (ECD)
It is, however, crucial that the foundations of education are laid and solidified from early childhood. Early years are critical for children to acquire basic skills like reading. The ability to read helps children successfully attain an education and increases their chances to participate meaningfully later in adulthood. Making sure families fulfil their role is central to ensuring that this vision is achieved. Families are central in communities and play an integral role in guaranteeing that children receive the best environment to grow up in. This model prevents potential threats to a child’s development.
Monthly group activities with family members need to be arranged by ECD centres to adequately equip them with the necessary skills and knowledge to create a safe, caring, and stimulating home. These sessions would be organised by health practitioners and social workers with the intention to share information that will make homes conducive. Additionally, the EFF advocates for the integration of ECD practitioners into the training of educators, with priority given to African women and the youth. All ECD practitioners should also be employed on a full-time basis, with full pay and pension contributions from the government.
Rebuilding Basic Education for the Future
These interventions will better equip children for the next phase of their education journey.
It is essential to supervise the improvement of basic education while working to establish the foundations for early development centres. According to the EFF, education should be free and decolonised for everyone, and the curriculum should advance subjects like indigenous knowledge, sovereignty, and economic freedom.
It is important to mainstream indigenous methods of learning into the curriculum. Indirect/synergistic reasoning, land-based learning, hands-on/reflective methods, narrative-driven learning, visual learning processes, and community connection. These need to be modified to accommodate our societies rapid development. According to the perspective of the EFF, vernacular languages need to be introduced as a foundation of the education system in all provinces. Additionally, indigenous methods of teaching and learning that prioritise community values, knowledge, and languages should be applied.
The citizens of South Africa deserve a government that is intentional about empowering them and improving their circumstances. For many years, it has been observed that significant investments in education have not improved the lives of most individuals. Furthermore, it has not done a stellar job at preparing students for post-school life and activities that could enhance their livelihoods both locally and globally. The government has consistently failed the youth, who possess the potential to drive economic growth and development in the country and across the continent.
Millions of young individuals face the harsh reality of having to drop out, living in poverty, and struggling with unemployment in an economy that fails to provide opportunities. The EFF vehemently rejects this bleak outlook and is committed to reshaping the narrative for the youth of South Africa. By advocating for change and empowerment, they aim to inspire a new vision for the future.
* Sixolise Gcilishe is an EFF Member of Parliament.
** The views expressed do not necessarily reflect the views of IOL or Independent Media.