Devolusie van finansiële verantwoordelikheid vir die onderwys in die RSA : 'n verkennende studie

Abstract

The demands of a fast growing third world population on the education system of the Republic of South Africa places great stress on an economy already battling against sanctions and disinvestment. The challenge is to keep up standards of education in order to supply sufficient numbers of qualified manpower to keep the economy going whilst at the same time attempting to create equal educational facilities for an exploding black school population. At the other end of the scale is the problem of dwindling numbers of well qualified white teachers, especially in certain subjects like mathematics, science and commerce as they are recruited into the private sector offering them large increases in salaries. The intention of the study was to try to find a new model for financing and the related decision making of education. The modus operandi was: - i) A theoretical basis to the study was provided by looking at the development of the growing role of the state within the education system and the implications it has for the other participants in the system. ii) A look is taken at the "new right" philosophy as practised by Mrs Thatcher in England where the position of the individual vis-a-vis the state is being re-evaluated. iii) An analysis of the situation surrounding education and the economy as it presents itself in South Africa at the present moment is made. At the same time the position of each of the participants, namely the state, the parents, the educators and employers are evaluated. iv) The English system with its new Education Reform Act and the new concept of school-based management practised in Dade County, Florida in the USA is discussed for purposes of comparison. v) In conclusion a few suggestions are made regarding a future model for financing and managing of educational institutions in the RSA.