“Mandela, the Terrorist.” Intended and Hidden History Curriculum in South Africa

Abstract

This article focuses on how some aspects of the South African history curriculum are interpreted and “lived out” in two South African high schools. The article introduces the history curriculum reconstruction process and its surrounding developments since 1994 until the release of the National Curriculum Statement in 2003. It then focuses on the curricular intentions which reflect the reorganization of history teaching and serve as benchmark for teachers. Using empirical data gathered in Afrikaans schools, I describe how classroom practices represent the history curriculum. The data indicates that schools provide space for curriculum modification and the creation of a “hidden curriculum.”