Abstract
M.Ed. (Multiculturalism and Education)
That we live in a very diverse multicultural society which is in the process of change is a reality. Education, as one of the social systems, needs to contribute to the establishment of sound intergroup relationships and eliminate the educational gap that exists within the south African society. To bring about this change we need a system which "will lead to recognising cultural values and differences among and between ethnic groups and individuals and will develop strategies that enhance
communication, develop cross cultural understanding and awareness, which will lead to a more positive learning outcome" (Sieburth, quoted by Goodey, 1989:481). The possibility of opening government schools to pupils from the other population J groups was announced early in 1990. In her survey on private open schools Pam Christie found that the opening up of schools did not bring about a greater understanding of the complexity of the South African situation amongst the pupils (1990:99). To undertake the task of eliminating inequalities and help the people of South Africa to understand each other we need an education system which will be "focusing on the need of all pupils to feel creatively comfortable with 1987:7). The cultural diversity as the norm"
The introduction of an educational system which is sensitive to the multicultural composition of the South African population will have to take into consideration the institutionalised discrimination which has become a feature of the South African
social system and address this issue in an effort to bring about the enhancement of the self-concept of the disadvantaged pupils. The reduction and eventual elimination of prejudice will have to be a central strategy of a multicultural educational system. The important role to be played by teachers in an educational system of this kind is self-evident. Lynch expresses it as follows,"This task involves teachers in a redefinition of their role and an increased recognition of their responsibility for prejudice reduction and eradication as new goals for education in a democracy (Lynch, 1987:xi).