Nearly three decades into democracy, the post-apartheid government is still struggling to undo the inequalities in the schooling system that the apartheid regime created. In many ways, schooling in South Africa has improved as government policies ensure that all children in the country go to school, at least until grade nine. Access to schooling or the attendance rate in the country is near universal, as almost all children who are of school-going age and are meant to be at school are enrolled.

In spite of efforts to transform and expand schooling and the gains made in that regard, the sector still experiences serious challenges that are contributing to a learning crisis in the country. The reality is that the quality of schooling is compromised because learners are not gaining enough of the basic skills and knowledge needed for further education or leading productive lives. A major contributor and often neglected part of this learning crisis is the physical conditions at schools, which are not always favourable to good teaching and learning.

Report by Equal Education