Perceptions and utilization of media centres in South Africa

Abstract

The structure of the education system of a country usually reflects the pat tern of the government of that coun try. The present education system in South Africa has been distorted by apartheid, with huge surpluses and grave shortages existing side by side. One finds racially segregated schools administered along the own affairs' lines by 17 different education depart ments. Each autonomous department has its own goals and philosophy of education for the race or ethnic group that it was created to serve. The great disparity in state funding of the frag mented education system has adversely affected the quality of edu cation afforded to each race group. This research article investigates the relationships between the disparities in funding, resource provision and facilities and the way educators per ceive and utilize media.