Music education in South Africa: snapshots of recent developments

Jenny Hughes, University College Worcester.

Ubuntu is an ancient African term which, roughly translated, means wholeness or humaneness.

Map of South Africa (Lonely Planet)

Since the foundation of the new South Africa in 1994, much work has been done to develop a school curriculum which is available to all, regardless of race, colour, or creed Listen to an interview with Dr Sanet Schoeman from the Music Department:

Interview with Dr Sanet Shoeman, Pretoria University

The Arts and Culture Learning Area includes music, dance, drama, and visual arts. Although there is still much work to be done, and availability of resources (including suitably qualified teachers) varies tremendously, nevertheless there are some striking examples of new initiatives taking place all over the country. This collection of video and audio files gives a flavour of what is currently happening musically in schools.

Acknowledgements

Special thanks go to Franklin Lewis, Senior Curriculum Planner: Music, Western Cape Education Department, and Dorette Vermeulen and Professor Caroline van Niekerk of the University of Pretoria, for their support and assistance with my visit.