Extracts on the subject of education from the Freedom Charter © Courtesy of Historical Papers Research Archive, University of the Witwatersrand Library, South Africa.
The Freedom Charter was a charter of universal rights based on the wishes of the people. It meant a fundamental restructuring of South African society and outlined a list of freedoms and ideals in opposition to the apartheid government. In June 1955 the Freedom Charter was adopted by the Congress Alliance, the African National Congress (ANC), the South African Indian Congress (SAIC), the South African Coloured People’s Organisation, and the South African Congress of Democrats.
Transcript
THE DOORS OF LEARNING AND OF CULTURE SHALL BE OPENED!
The government shall discover, develop and encourage national talent for the enhancement of our cultural life;
All the cultural treasures of mankind shall be open to all, by free exchange of books, ideas and contact with other lands;
The aim of education shall be to teach the youth to love their people and their culture, to honour human brotherhood, liberty and peace;
Education shall be free, compulsory, universal and equal for all children;
Higher education and technical training shall be opened to all by means of state allowances and scholarships awarded on the basis of merit;
Adult illiteracy shall be ended by a mass state education plan;
Teachers shall have all the rights of other citizens;
The colour bar in cultural life, in sport and in education shall be abolished.
- Why do you think these aspirations, concerning education are highlighted in the Freedom Charter?
- Chose any THREE points from the Charter. Explain what each means and why it is significant. Discuss with a partner.
- Find out more about the launch of the Freedom Charter in June 1955.