Abstract:
This study utilized 2003 to 2006 school enrollment data from the Gauteng Department
of Education (GDE) to examine school desegregation trends and interracial exposure
among learners from different race groups. Descriptive analyses revealed findings
consistent with the literature wherein a majority of schools served mainly homogeneous
populations. African and White learners experienced limited or no opportunity for
interracial contact at school level, whereas Coloured learners experienced moderate
levels of interracial contact. The exception was the Indian learner group whose migration
from schools formerly reserved for Indian learners into schools formerly reserved
for White learners as well as independent schools contributed to increased diversity
albeit in a relatively small group of schools. New schools are emerging as a preferred
destination for African learners.
