SOUTH AFRICA: Over the years of its democratic journey, South Africa has made significant strides in providing education to its young population, striving to reverse the effects of the apartheid era's unequal education policies.

According to Government of South Africa, the apartheid government's educational policies, particularly under the Bantu Education Act, explicitly aimed to limit the education of black South Africans to roles of servitude and manual labor. This approach was epitomized by Hendrik Verwoerd, known as the architect of apartheid, who infamously questioned the utility of teaching mathematics to African learners. Such policies and statements not only caused widespread disturbance but also ignited the youth to stand against apartheid and fight for accessible education for all.

With the establishment of a democratic government in 1994, South Africa underwent fundamental changes in its education system. The government made commitments to expand access to education from primary to tertiary levels, moving away from the previous elitist system. This expansion included the introduction of a no-fee school policy and financial assistance to disadvantaged students through the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS). Currently, NSFAS is supporting 1.1 million students and has been allocated an estimated budget of R47.6 billion for the 2023 academic year.

Eligibility for NSFAS funding extends to aspiring students from households with an income of less than R350,000 per year, who aim to pursue studies at public universities or Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) colleges. Interested students can find more details about eligibility and application processes on the NSFAS online platform.

In addition to university education, TVET colleges play a crucial role in enhancing knowledge and skills among the youth. These colleges offer a second chance for those who have left school after grade 9 and are 16 years or older. The government is actively working to improve the accessibility of TVET colleges by expanding specialized institutions across the country. Currently, there are over 50 accredited TVET colleges with more than 364 campuses nationwide, with the current academic year seeing over 550,000 enrolments.

Partnerships between TVET colleges and the private sector are being fostered to provide training and workplace experience, addressing South Africa's skills shortage. Beyond formal education, the government encourages youth to engage in learnerships, mentorships, internships, and volunteer work to gain occupational experience and enhance their skills.

The South African government emphasizes the importance of these learning opportunities for young people, as they not only prepare them for future success but also contribute to the nation's overall achievement. By equipping the youth with knowledge, the country aims to overcome its historical challenges and build a more equitable and prosperous future.