Untangling South Africa's Primary Education (1843-1914): A Historical Analysis
Imagine a young child in the Cape Colony in 1850, clutching a well-worn primer, their educational journey shaped by forces far beyond the confines of the classroom. This article explores the complex and often contradictory history of primary education in South Africa between 1843 and 1914, tracing its evolution, identifying critical gaps in research, and suggesting avenues for future study. From its nascent stages focused primarily on moral instruction to the gradual incorporation of more progressive methodologies, the story of South African primary education during this period is one of both progress and persistent inequality....