Which Way Equitable Access to Quality and Relevant Education in South Africa? A Comparative Review of NGO versus Quintile One Primary Schools in KwaZulu-Natal Province

Purpose: The purpose of the study was to explore the direction the South African education is taking regarding ensuring equitable access to quality and relevant education focusing on primary education level and by way of comparing an NGO philanthropic primary school and Quintile One primary schools. The setting was the rural, low income and underserved communities of KwaZulu-Natal province. Methodology: The study utilised a qualitative research design. The study population included the school management members and grade 1-6 teachers in both school settings with a sample size of 27 purposively selected participants. In addition, documents were reviewed and observations of the study sites made. Data were analysed using TAGUETTE software. The researchers ensured that all necessary ethical guidelines were followed before, during data collection, analysis, and dissemination through this article. Findings: The findings indicate that the NGO philanthropic primary school was more prepared to provide equitable access to quality and relevant education in KwaZulu-Natal province than the Quintile One primary schools. The NGO School had relatively adequate funds to build the necessary physical infrastructure, facilities, employ quality teachers, and to build and sustain a conducive teaching and learning environment compared to the Quintile One primary schools that lacked the aforementioned features. Unique Contribution to Theory, Policy and Practice: The study recommends that the government of South Africa at national and provincial levels should allocate adequate resources to facilitate the Quintile One primary schools to ensure equitable access to quality and relevant education. In addition, it is enjoined to review the school curriculum to respond to national and international labour market demands. This study makes a significant contribution to the scholarship and practice of education as an equalising tool in South Africa and among the nations implementing the SDGs specifically, SDG-4 on education.