Are South Africans complacent about education? Dr Naledi Pandor raises questions after her own curriculum errors

Dr. Naledi Pandor, a former South African government minister, recently voiced concerns about a new private higher education institution called Akademia in Pretoria East. The R3.2 billion campus, expected to accommodate 5,000 students, has sparked debate due to its significant investment and private funding. Pandor, who previously served as Minister of Education, Higher Education and Training, and Science and Technology, expressed alarm at the development, deeming it unacceptable and highlighting what she perceived as a lack of civic engagement in South African education.

However, Pandor's own educational record raises questions about her current stance. As Minister of Education from 2004 to 2009, she approved the introduction of Mathematical Literacy in 2006, a decision she now regrets. Pandor admitted that she allowed officials to persuade her to approve the curriculum, which led to learners shifting away from traditional Mathematics.

While Pandor acknowledges the value of Mathematical Literacy, she believes it should not have replaced pure Mathematics. The controversy surrounding Akademia's development and funding has sparked a broader discussion about mother-tongue education in South Africa, with some calling for more universities to offer instruction in African languages like Afrikaans, isiZulu, and isiXhosa.

Critics argue that a larger conversation is needed about the role of Afrikaans in higher education, while proponents believe that more institutions teaching in these languages would enrich the country's intellectual landscape. Ultimately, the question remains: is Akademia objectionable due to its Afrikaans-language focus, its private funding, or a combination of both?

Regardless of the source of the institution's success, Pandor's admission of her past mistake emphasizes the importance of accountability and critical examination of educational policies in South Africa.