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Post-School Education and Training Policies in South Africa: From 1994 to now

Author

Listed:
  • Nicola Branson

    (University of Cape Town)

  • Emma Whitelaw

    (University of Cape Town)

Abstract

During apartheid, the Post-School Education and Training (PSET) system was deeply fragmented, unequal, and racially biased, with vast disparities in access, resources, and quality. Legislation, provision, and institutional structures explicitly enforced a racial demarcation between skilled and non-skilled workers. The transition to democracy presented an opportunity to transform the PSET sector. The new government aimed to create an inclusive, integrated education system that would meet the needs of a rapidly transforming economy, respond to the demands of a modern labour market, and promote social justice. Policy interventions were therefore required to address structural deficiencies, expand access, and improve quality. In this paper, we summarise some of the key post-apartheid PSET policies, evaluate what empirical evidence shows about progress in the sector, taking stock of key trends, and finally, discuss some of the challenges and tensions that remain.

Suggested Citation

  • Nicola Branson & Emma Whitelaw, 2025. "Post-School Education and Training Policies in South Africa: From 1994 to now," ERSA Working Paper Series 178, Economic Research Southern Africa.
    • Handle: RePEc:rza:ersawp:178
    as

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    File URL: https://ersawps.org/index.php/working-paper-series/article/view/178/127
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. Michael Rogan & John Reynolds, 2016. "Schooling inequality, higher education and the labour market: Evidence from a graduate tracer study in the Eastern Cape, South Africa," Development Southern Africa, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 33(3), pages 343-360, May.
    2. Salisbury, Taylor, 2016. "Education and inequality in South Africa: Returns to schooling in the post-apartheid era," International Journal of Educational Development, Elsevier, vol. 46(C), pages 43-52.
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    More about this item

    Keywords

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    JEL classification:

    • H52 - Public Economics - - National Government Expenditures and Related Policies - - - Government Expenditures and Education
    • H75 - Public Economics - - State and Local Government; Intergovernmental Relations - - - State and Local Government: Health, Education, and Welfare
    • I00 - Health, Education, and Welfare - - General - - - General
    • A29 - General Economics and Teaching - - Economic Education and Teaching of Economics - - - Other
    • H59 - Public Economics - - National Government Expenditures and Related Policies - - - Other

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