Improving participation in quality education in South Africa: who are the Stakeholders?

Abstract

Education is of importance in improving the living conditions of citizens all over the world. It is the only tool for individuals and states’ sustainable development. Educated nations contribute towards development of their states. Therefore, it is necessary for the states to offer quality education to its citizenry. The question which arises mostly is who should get involved in education. Community leaders and members, educators, parents and other stakeholders blame governments when education is of poor quality. It is, therefore, government which is ridiculed when education systems collapse. Quality education is the key towards individuals and state development, therefore everyone should be part of or involved in the provision of quality education. This conceptual paper, through involvement of different stakeholders in Singapore and the United States (US), would like to add a voice for South Africa and point out who are these stakeholders, and their roles and functions in the provision of quality education. The present paper also outlines the way in which all stakeholders are involved in the provision of quality education in Singapore and US and lessons for South Africa learn from these two countries.