Lifelong learning and connected-up development: insights from South Africa

Abstract

Lifelong learning through the four major stages of people’s development (Schuller and Watson 2009) embodies the need for integrated, connected-up approaches to development. I will reference briefly three examples in action of connected-up approaches to development from South Africa which are examples of national, regional and institutional approaches to lifelong learning. They are: the National Qualifications Framework, the Learning Cape, and the University of Western Cape. I will start with highlighting the social purposes of lifelong learning and the socio-economic and political context, both of which frame the discussion.