This article examines the challenge of opening and transforming South African education. "Openness" and "transformation" of any education programme in any society are ethicopolitical processes. In the case of South Africa, the transition from an autocratic education system serving the interests of a minority to a more modern…

Describes the work of PETRA (Primary Teaching in Rural Areas), an aid-funded project that was set up to improve the standards of English language teaching in black primary schools in rural areas in South Africa. Focuses on the first phase of the project, during which teachers attended an inservice training course leading to an externally-validated…

Discusses social change and educational realities in South Africa, noting the relatively poor qualifications of black teachers. The paper also examines South African teacher training models and presents teacher training models suitable for developing countries. (SM)