Abstract: | Recent political, social and economic developments in Southern and South Africa stimulated the rise of political, cultural and personal aspirations among the Blacks of South Africa to a new level of expectancy. However, the role of education in national development is not new in Africa as many of the now independent states have has to deal with this problem some twenty years ago. This essay looks at the African experiences in this regard. Sections: Introduction -Education as the symbol of freedom and the focus of hope: historical background - Education as the key to national development (Introduction; Addis Ababa Conference; The popular demand for educations; National unity; Political stability; Economic development; Primary education as a priority) - Subsequent developments related to the educational expansion programme (Introduction; Imbalance in the school systems; Wastage of manpower; Social division; Economic stagnation; Depopulation of the rural areas, uncontrolled urbanization and unemployment; Political instability) - Some conclusions. Ref. |