<P> The nine provinces in South Africa also have their own education departments that are responsible for implementing the policies of the national department, as well as dealing with local issues . </P> <P> In 2010, the basic education system comprised 12 644 208 learners, 30 586 schools, and 439 394 teachers . In 2009, the higher education and training system comprised 837 779 students in HE institutions, 420 475 students in state - controlled FET institutions and 297 900 in state - controlled ABET centres . </P> <P> In 2013, the South African government will spend 21% of the national budget on education . Some ten percent of the education budget is for higher education . </P> <P> According to the national census of 2011, among the South African population, 35.2% of black / African, 32.6% of coloureds, 61.6% of Indians / Asians and 76% of white citizens have completed an education of high school or higher . 41.7% of the total population has completed an education of high school or higher, whereas 8.6% of the population aged 20 years and older have not completed any schooling . </P>

The reason for schooling in the south african context