Adult Basic Education Provision and Human Capital Development Perceptions of Adult Educators

Abstract

This chapter raises an argument as to whether provision of adult basic education in the Eastern Cape Province of the Republic of South Africa can lead to bigger issues in the form of developing human capital which, in turn, will lead to inclusion of those once marginalised and excluded in the economic activities of South Africa. The main research question—To what extent does adult basic education and training (ABET) provision contribute to human capital development?—was pursued to probe the perceptions of educators in ABET centres and those in the education districts. A survey design, underpinned by the interpretivist paradigm, was used in this investigation, employing qualitative research method. One hundred and five (105) educators in the ABET centres and six (6) in the district offices participated in the study. The educators in ABET centres and those in district offices were purposefully selected. Data collection took place through questionnaires and interviews. The qualitative data were transcribed word for word for purposes of tracing any observable themes.