From Apartheid to Democracy: Evolution and Inefficiencies of the South African Education System through Nancy Fraser’s Social Justice Framework

Khumalo, Shuti Steph

doi:10.2478/atd-2025-0023

Abstract

Introduction: This study provides comprehensive insights of how the education system in South Africa evolved.

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to provide a brief analytic insight into the legacy of the apartheid education system. Secondly, the study scrutinizes and explores the systemic failures of the democratic administration in redressing past educational inequalities.

Methods: In examining this evolution, this conceptual study draws extensively from critical analysis of scholarly work. Further, the 3-dimensional framework (redistribution, recognition, and representation) of Nancy Fraser is also applied.

Results: The results indicate that despite the deliberate intentions of the new government to redress past educational inequalities, the system still faces educational inequalities.

Discussion: Post-apartheid South Africa’s education system still faces inequality and disparities.

Conclusions: There is a need for more targeted and comprehensive policy interventions to effectively address the legacy of apartheid.

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From Apartheid to Democracy: Evolution and Inefficiencies of the South African Education System through Nancy Fraser’s Social Justice Framework

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