Changing the Way History is Taught in Africa!

In this episode, we sit down with Tebogo Maneli, a history teacher and educationist, for a wide-ranging and provocative discussion on the state of history and education in South Africa.

Maneli argues that history is far more than memorising dates and events, exploring whether it should be compulsory until Grade 12, whether teachers are adequately equipped to teach it, and why the quality of education can depend so heavily on the passion and preparation of individual educators.

The conversation examines South Africa’s history curriculum, the teaching of pre-colonial African civilisation and indigenous knowledge, and whether learners should be exposed to the histories of countries across the African continent. Maneli also reflects on the importance of teaching young people to question authority, challenge ideas and develop their own intellectual positions.

“Until you feel comfortable with challenging me when I am wrong, I have not taught you adequately,” Maneli remarks

The discussion also confronts the inequalities between South Africa’s public and private schools, the different resources available to teachers, and whether the country’s education crisis is fundamentally a problem inside the classroom or the result of broader socioeconomic conditions.

Maneli further explores discipline, co-educational schooling, race, socioeconomic privilege and the challenges of teaching politically and historically sensitive subjects to young people with different backgrounds and beliefs. The conversation expands into Pan-Africanism, youth engagement and the role education can play in creating a more critically conscious society.

“You are not your situation,” Maneli tells South Africa’s youth, arguing that education remains essential for young people to compete and participate meaningfully in society.

Watch this episode for a blunt discussion about history, education, inequality, discipline, critical thinking and the responsibility of Africa's teachers to prepare a generation capable of questioning the world around them.