The Importance Of Inclusive Education In South Africa

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During the apartheid regime education was not seen in the same light as it is seen today. According to Hugo (2005), during the 1990’s the new democratic government in South Africa introduced the most changes ever attempted with regards to education curriculums as compared to anywhere in the world. In the following essay I will discuss the importance of aligning the classroom and school practices to achieve social transformation in South Africa. In achieving this I will be discussing key aspects such as, education under the apartheid regime and the Bantu Education Act, education polices such Curriculum 2005, OBE and CAPS, principles like the Education Policy Act, White Paper 6, and the South African Constitution. And lastly I will share my personal …show more content…

Inclusive education as clear in the White Paper 6, is simply based on the ideology of freedom and equality, as described by the constitution, and is seen as a whole, a system to ensure that all citizens are equipped to become knowledgeable citizens in a changing and diverse society.

Inclusive education in South Africa is not taken lightly as it is an educational plan that can contribute to the success of a democratic nation. After the closure of apartheid era the newly elected democratic government dedicated itself to change of policies and legislation with regards to education. As stated in the, White Paper 6: Special Needs Education, building on inclusive education and training system (2001), makes provision for complete change for the development of inclusive education.

The concept of inclusiveness can be paired with “openness” in education, meaning different things to different learners and institutes. Lewis & Spencer (1986) describes openness as the implementation of specific measures to encourage extensive access to and participation in terms of education. However openness admits education and learning have been closed by various barriers such as entrance requirements, time constraints, financial status or disabilities as observed by Bell & Tight (1993). In South Africa children with disabilities are not counted out as there are special schools to count for their special needs. Inclusive education aims to give everyone an equal opportunity to learn and take part in their countries

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