The role of non-governmental organisations in the formulation and implementation of State's Education Policy, (1986-2000) : the case of the Education Foundation and the Education Policy Unit (Natal)
Loading...
Date
2003
Authors
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Abstract
During the 1990s the South African state began to reform the education system in an attempt
to resolve the crisis resulting from apartheid policies. The challenge was to develop new
policies free from the stigma of the discriminatory apartheid regime, and consistent with the
principles of equality, democracy, and social justice. However, the legitimate capacity and
power of the state to manage this reform was severely questioned by the liberation movement,
which demanded alternative policy pathways in education. The early 1990s marked the
beginning of the negotiation process towards eradicating the apartheid regime in South
Africa. This occurred at the time when the world was experiencing the rise of the special type
of NGOs called 'organisations for policy advice' or 'think tanks'.
When the Government of National Unity assumed power in 1994, it planned to develop an
education system that would benefit the entire South African community, regardless of
gender, age, race, ethnicity, etc. This dissertation looks at the contribution that two NGOs, the
Education Foundation and the Education Policy Unit made in the education policy
development process of this country immediately before and after the democratic elections. A
qualitative case study approach is used to show how particular NGOs located themselves in
the policy process. In each of the two organisations, key informants were interviewed and
documents were reviewed as a way of gathering data. Consideration was also given to the
challenges that these organisations faced in playing their role. It was then concluded that
despite the challenges that face NGOs they do impact on the policy-making process in a
considerable way.
Description
Thesis (M.A.)-University of Natal, Durban, 2003.
Keywords
Non-governmental organizations--South Africa., Education and state--South Africa., Education--South Africa--Curricula., Education policy unit--Kwazulu Natal., Theses--Sociology.