In a rapidly evolving world, it is crucial for education systems to adapt and equip learners with the knowledge, skills, and values necessary to thrive in the 21st century. Recognizing the need for change, South Africa has embarked on an ambitious journey to strengthen its curriculum and transform the educational landscape. At the heart of this endeavour lies developing a groundbreaking competency framework.
In collaboration with various partners and stakeholders, the Department of Basic Education (DBE) has adopted a highly collaborative and research-based approach to creating a framework that aligns with the nation’s vision for the future. This framework aims to prioritize and define the knowledge, skills, values, and attitudes that all learners should have the opportunity to develop during their school years.
The journey towards this framework began in 2018 when the decision was made to move towards a curriculum emphasising competencies for a changing world. Research into existing frameworks, technical consultations with experts, and a small-scale research project in South African public schools followed, laying the groundwork for the development process.
In 2021, an exemplar South African competency framework was presented for discussion, and the mandate to commence with a structured local framework development process was given. The year 2022 saw a flurry of activity, with national consultative workshops involving over 500 education stakeholders, analysis of findings, technical consultations, and forming a framework design working group.
The draft framework, presented in 2023, is a visual representation of the proposed knowledge, skills, character, attitudes, values, and cross-cutting priorities that will inform the strengthening of teaching, learning, and assessment in South African schools. At the core of the framework value, it highlights their foundational role in all teaching and learning. Knowledge, skills, character, and attitudes are interlinked, emphasizing their interconnected nature. Cross-cutting priorities, such as education for sustainable development, indigenous knowledge systems, and sustainable livelihoods, form the outer ring of the framework, ensuring their integration across subjects and grades.
The glossary of terms provided in the framework offers a comprehensive understanding of each component. Knowledge encompasses updated content, disciplinary skills, and introducing new subjects to operationalize the Three Stream Model. Skills are divided into foundational skills, such as literacy, numeracy, and digital literacy, and transversal skills, including critical thinking, creativity, collaboration, communication, and metacognition. Character and attitudes focus on adaptability, accountability, growth mindset, resilience, and curiosity. The values section draws from the 2001 Manifesto on Values, Education and Democracy, emphasizing democracy, social justice, equity, equality, non-racism, non-sexism, ubuntu, an open society, accountability, the rule of law, respect, and reconciliation.
As South Africa moves forward with this groundbreaking competency framework, it is clear that the nation is committed to providing its learners with an education that prepares them for the challenges and opportunities of the 21st century. The framework aims to create a generation of learners equipped to thrive in an ever-changing world by prioritising knowledge, skills, values, and cross-cutting priorities. The journey ahead may be challenging, but with collaboration, dedication, and a shared vision, South Africa is poised to transform its education system and shape a brighter future for all.