Department of basic education to decolonize curriculum

(Shutterstock)

The struggle concerning higher education funding and transformation has exposed us to phenomenon’s like decolonised education, but this time it’s the basic education officials that have proposed the thought to decolonise the curriculum of basic education to parliament.

What exactly is decolonised education?  Decolonized education is the act of getting rid of foreign literature while freeing the country from being dependent on other countries for literature, as defined by the fees must fall movement.

If this is the case, then it will be a bitter-sweet goodbye to the writings of the Great Shakespeare and other literatures characterized with a Eurocentric feel. Eurocentric literature is loved by many for its depth in linguistics and flair. They are not so popular among the crowed that strongly advocates for the advancement of African literature and the Africanism ideology.

Plans to decolonise the curriculum, which have been earmarked for implementation between 2020 and 2030, include:

• Extending the policy of teaching pupils in their mother tongue from grades 1 to 3 to grades 4 to 6; and
• Making history compulsory at schools.
• The introduction of indigenous knowledge systems and practices;

This move was well received by the opposition. The Democratic Alliance spokesperson on education   Gavin Davis, suggested that the curriculum should be distinctly South African, reflecting the country’s rich experience and diversity.

Wits university students holding a banner to show their stand in decolonising education during the fees must fall protests (Backpage Pix)

The Mail and Guardian recently reported that the department has not yet figured out how they are going to implement their plan but have confidence that they will come up with strategies very soon.
https://soundcloud.com/davinci_sa/department-of-basic-education-to-decolonise-carriculam