The value of critical pedagogy in mass education for reducing illiteracy in South Africa: Kha Ri gude current realities and prospects

Abstract

The paper investigates the challenges and prospects for cascading mass literacy campaign in South Africa. This paper is underpinned by Paulo Freire's theory of critical pedagogy. The key elements of critical pedagogy are analysed in terms of its potential for improving the Kha Ri Gude mass campaign. Constraints in the current situation are also described. The paper looks at the current realities in the Kha Ri Gude campaign, the progress made and the opportunities available, as well as the identifiable gaps and proposals for closing these gaps. The paper concludes that the challenges are formidable, but that the project allows the learners to step over the illiteracy threshold into a world that is immeasurably richer in meaning in which they can act and transact as never before. Learners consequently receive their certificates with pride and gratitude as their first indication of success in their lives and realisation of the potential they possess.