The Quest for Recognition and Curricularisation of South African Music Education in Basic Education

Framed within curriculum inquiry theory, this article argues for the necessity to merge music curricula with music educator curricula in the existing Curriculum and Assessment Policy Statement (CAPS) offered by the South African Department of Basic Education (DBE). Currently, being educated in music does not qualify a graduate to be a music educator, as an additional qualification is necessary. Music-trained educators leaving universities are required to undertake a Postgraduate Certificate in Education (PGCE) to be recognised as music teachers in public schools, hence the need for reform. The main purpose of this article is to discuss the quest for Recognition and Curricularisation of South African music education in basic education. The study adopted a qualitative research method to collect data, using previous and recent scholarly writings. The findings of this article were presented in themes developed through the questions presented. The over-arching conclusion is that South African universities’ music qualifications should be recognised as teaching qualifications. Keywords: Basic Education, Curriculum and Assessment Policy Statement (CAPS), Music Educators, PGCE, Skills