Abstract
D.Ed.
The training and development opportunities available in Human Resources in a
country play an important role regarding the growth and progress of such a country
and its people. The parameters wherein training and development is conducted
determine to a large extend the direction the country takes towards the efficient
productivity of individuals.
In South Africa, in the past, the political system of apartheid, which created unequal
opportunities between different races, played a major adverse role in the education
and training facilities of its employable population.
As a result common education standards became a victim of political expediency,
and the school system created a forum of unequal education.
After research conducted by the Human Sciences Research Council in 1980 to
investigate the education system in South Africa it was concluded that it is
impossible to implement a system focussed on equal quality education overnight.
It is not until after the first multi-cultural election in the history of South Africa in
1994 that this situation started changing. The National Qualifications Framework
and The South African Qualifications Authority was established. That brought about
major change in the education and training system in the country, and it also shifted
the emphasis to lifelong learning.
It became apparent that for the quickest beneficial results a program of adult
education had to be initiated to work hand in hand with the more gradual
development of equal education at undergraduate levels.
The shift that needs to be made from the traditional school system to the training of
adults is however a difficult one. Adult education is not yet established in South
Africa.