PERCEPTIONS AND REALITIES, Hewat College of Education, 1966-1996, Northern Cape Education Department, 1996-1998, Perspectives of an Insider

261pp., b/w & colour illus., paperback, Self Published, Cape Town, 2026

ISBN: 9781997496304

In his memoir educator Edward Pratt offers a historical account of South African educational policy, administration, and training under apartheid, and the administrative and systemic changes that took place as South Africa restructured its educational framework in the early years of democracy.

"In this important book, Ed Pratt gives us an insight into the complicated period of apartheid and early post-apartheid education in South Africa. Its primary significance, however, is its focus on the neglected history of teacher education in South Africa. For scholars and those of us who are interested in institutions such as Hewat College in Cape Town, this is a wonderfully timely publication." Crain Soudien, former CEO, HSRC and former Deputy Vice Chancellor, UCT

"In Perceptions and Realities, we are treated to an evocative narrative of those how, like Pratt, believed that education could be a force for liberation in South Africa ... this book bears witness to the struggle of a generation who would prove indispensable for teaching the art of making educated choice in the face of an oppressive racial formation ... a reminder that the struggle for education is not done and that the future will have to both reckon with what it meant in opposing apartheid and what it could mean for future generations" Premesh Lalu, author of Undoing Apartheid

Edward Pratt worked at Hewat College of Education from 1966 to 1996, first as a lecturer, before being appointed Vice-Rector and then Rector. He went on to serve as Director of Education in the Northern Cape Education Department from 1996 to 1998.