Case of South Africa

• One of the largest economies in Sub-Saharan Africa

• Upper middle economy
• Transition to Democracy after 1994, apartheid abolished
• Allowed trade, developed education system
• Real GDP increased steadily
• Widespread inequality and poverty still present
• Reliance on social welfare schemes in absence of actual economic
development
 GDP per Capita
9000

8000

7000

6000

5000

4000

3000

2000

1000

0
1994 1995 1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017
Education policies in South Africa

• Before 1994, mostly aimed at educating white africans.

• Education was racially segregated, with separate universities for
Blacks
• These universities for Blacks were severely underfunded
• After the advent of democracy in 1994, equality for all races and
genders was promoted
• Higher Education Act of 1997 played a crucial role in establishing the
framework for the future
• Promoted a more unified education system
Literacy rate ages 15 and above from 2007 to 2015:
HDI Trends