Answer to Question #221690 in Sociology for Ziyanda

Question

 In terms of section 7(2) of the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa, everyone including teachers and parents have the duty to respect, protect and fulfil learners’ right to education. Discuss the statement in line with the following: availability, accessibility, acceptability and adaptability (5)

Answer 1

The right to basic education, including adult basic education, is enshrined in Section 29(1)(a). The South African Qualification Authority's national qualification framework defines basic education as grades R through 9. Adult basic education is education aimed at adults who do not have a basic education. The right to basic education, including adult basic education, unlike other socio-economic rights in the Bill of Rights, is neither formulated as a right of access nor subject to internal qualifiers. 

Availability - All students must have access to a functioning educational institution. This includes providing buildings, sanitation facilities for both sexes, teaching materials, libraries, computer facilities, and internet access.

Accessibility has three overlapping dimensions: non-discrimination, physical accessibility, and economic accessibility; this means that education must be affordable, physically accessible, and provided on a non-discriminatory basis.

Acceptability entails the form and substance of education, including curricula and teaching methods. This refers to the relevance, appropriateness, and quality of education in relation to the educational objectives that must be met.

Adaptability - education must be adaptable in order to respond to societal changes and the needs of learners in their diverse social and cultural settings.