Has education transformation worked?

Loading player...
What has 30 years of education reform in South Africa actually produced?
For more than three decades, James Urdang has worked at the intersection
of education, civil society, and social change. As the founder of
Education Africa, his work has been shaped by a clear belief that
education remains one of the most powerful tools for breaking the cycle
of poverty.

What makes his perspective especially valuable is not only what he has
built, but what he has witnessed over time. From the early years of
democratic transformation to the realities facing schools today, his
journey offers a rare long view of how the system has evolved. This
conversation with Phumi Mashigo asks a difficult but necessary question.
After three decades of effort, investment, and ambition, what progress
can we truly see, and what still remains unfinished?
22 Apr English South Africa Politics · News

Other recent episodes

Why is Durban in crisis?

What has gone wrong in Durban, and what will it take to fix the city? Phumi Mashigo speaks to the Democratic Alliance’s Haniff Hoosen about the challenges facing eThekwini and why residents are increasingly demanding action. In this discussion, Hoosen shares his vision for an eThekwini where communities take action,…
12 Aug 43 min

Does the world understand Israel?

Why does Israel believe the world misunderstands its actions? Phumi Mashigo gets into a conversation about this with Ambassador Mark Regev, one of Israel's most experienced diplomats and communicators. Having served as the country's international spokesman, ambassador, and senior adviser to the Prime Minister, Regev has spent decades explaining Israel's…
6 Aug 35 min

Who Belongs? Who Decides?

In this episode we bring together political leaders and commentators for an unfiltered discussion on one of South Africa's most pressing and divisive issues; illegal immigration and its ripple effect on governance, crime, economic growth, and the future of the country. Following the events surrounding the March and March protests…
30 Jul 1 hr 08 min

A Nation Under Pressure

Are we paying enough attention to the warning signs? With crime, protest, poverty, and public trust being increasingly intertwined, Phumi Mashigo speaks to two experts to unpack what's driving tensions, political and otherwise, and what can be done to build a more stable future. She is joined by David Bruce,…
23 Jul 55 min