South Africa's Department of Basic Education (DBE) is preparing to implement a new History curriculum nationwide by 2027. The proposed curriculum aims to reshape how historical events are taught in South African schools, with its full implementation slated for 2027. This significant overhaul reflects a broader national conversation about education and identity.
Curriculum's Aims and Strengths
The proposed History curriculum aims "to develop in learners a global historical consciousness from the vantage point of Africa." This initiative seeks to provide students with a broader understanding of history rooted in an African perspective, ensuring that the continent's rich and complex past is central to the educational experience. Oral history is cited as a commendable addition to the new curriculum, facilitating direct engagement between students and community leaders, elders, and family members. This approach not only enriches the learning experience but also connects students directly to living history and cultural heritage. The South African Democratic Teachers’ Union (SADTU) has described the proposed Curriculum and Assessment Policy Statement (CAPS) as "nation-building." SADTU's endorsement shows the potential of the curriculum to foster a unified national identity through shared historical understanding. This curriculum development seeks to integrate diverse historical narratives and educational approaches within the South African school system, moving beyond traditional Eurocentric viewpoints.
Concerns Over Content Removal
In 2018, Department of Basic Education (DBE) Minister Angie Motshekga initiated a review of the existing History Curriculum and Assessment Policy Statement (CAPS). This review aimed to decolonise the syllabus and establish a more Afrocentric approach to historical education, responding to widespread calls for educational reform. However, concerns have emerged regarding specific content removals from the updated curriculum. For instance, the DBE's revised syllabus omits topics such as Communism, Capitalism, and the American civil rights movement. The removal of Communism from the History syllabus, in particular, has been noted as a significant change, alongside the absence of Capitalism and the American civil rights movement. Critics argue that these omissions could lead to an incomplete understanding of global historical forces and their impact on South Africa.
The period between 2015 and 2018 saw significant student activism in South Africa, including the #Feesmustfall and #Rhodesmustfall campaigns. These movements prominently addressed issues of curriculum representation and the legacy of colonial exploitation within educational institutions. Student activists during this period vociferously demanded a re-evaluation of educational content, calling for syllabi that accurately reflect South African realities and challenge colonial narratives. The removal of certain historical topics from the curriculum has drawn scrutiny amidst these broader calls for a re-evaluation of educational content, raising questions about the full nature of the proposed changes.
Broader Implications and Universal Values
History is described as a deeply moral subject, teaching what distinguishes humanity and what individuals have in common. This perspective suggests that historical education can foster an understanding of shared human experiences and differences, promoting empathy and critical thinking. The study of history, therefore, is not merely about facts and dates but about understanding the human condition and the ethical dimensions of past events. The play Eclipsed: Phifalo ya ngwedi was created as a direct response to the Life Esidimeni tragedy, noting how artistic expression can engage with significant historical events and serve as a powerful medium for societal reflection. The Life Esidimeni tragedy led to the deaths of 144 psychiatric patients after their transfer to unlicensed non-governmental organizations, showing the profound human cost of certain decisions and the importance of remembering such events to prevent future recurrences. This tragic event serves as a stark reminder of the moral responsibilities inherent in governance and care, reinforcing the idea that history teaches key lessons about accountability and human rights.
