Some S. African Schools Begin Integration

Black students attended some white public schools for the first time today, beginning a new term that brings fundamental changes to public education in South Africa.

A government plan permitting schools to determine their own admissions policies was passed in September of last year. Previously, public schools were strictly segregated.

Some of the public schools began new terms today. About 205 of more than 2,000 white public schools have elected to integrate. Most held a referendum among parents that required at least 80% to vote and 90% of those voting to approve open admissions.

At Parkview Primary School, black and white children played enthusiastically on the jungle gym and in the school field.

“It’s the same as always,” said Ari Michalopoulos, 12. “It’s no big deal.”

Two girls, one white and one black, walked together on their first day as classmates. Karabo Mapela, 12, said she was very happy to attend Parkview, even if it meant traveling 12 miles from her home in the black township of Soweto.

Her white friend, Linda Temlett, 11, welcomed the change.

“I don’t know why it took so long,” she said.

But strong opposition to integrating schools still exists, particularly from right-wing whites who support apartheid.

While the integration plan is a significant step toward unifying South Africa’s education system, it remains limited. Under national education laws, schools opting to allow nonwhites must reserve most spaces for white children.

At several schools beginning the new term today, less than 20% of the students were nonwhites.