JOHANNESBURG - South Africa's history curriculum is set to undergo an overhaul.
The changes aim to make the subject more African-centred in classrooms.
Basic Education Minister Siviwe Gwarube has gazetted a draft curriculum for Grades 4 to 12, opening it up for public comment.
The proposed curriculum, which would be compulsory, includes teaching South African history from before 1652.
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It also proposes replacing a focus on American civil rights movements with Africa’s liberation movements.
These changes have been a long time coming.
The decolonisation of the history curriculum was first introduced by the late Kader Asmal, former Education Minister, in 2001 through the South African History Project.
"I am absolutely thrilled," said Professor June Bam-Hutchison, Director of the Centre for Education Rights and Transformation at the University of Johannesburg.
She was among the first researchers involved and continues to play a role in curriculum development.
At the time, there was also a proposal to make history compulsory in schools, but it was not approved.
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"The curriculum was highly contested," she said, noting that South Africa was still dealing with tensions during a period of transition.
"The curriculum reflected the negotiated settlement because it is the nature of curriculum development in countries that are transforming."
Ultimately, the proposal was not adopted at the time.
"It's a big turning point in our country and I think people should engage in it," said Bam-Hutchison.
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Following the #RhodesMustFall protests in 2015, calls to decolonise South Africa’s education system resurfaced.
According to Bam-Hutchison, this renewed focus emphasised Africa's place in the world.
The proposed changes would shift away from a Eurocentric approach to a more Afrocentric teaching of history.
Lobby group AfriForum's Alana Bailey says it is important that history be taught objectively.
Meanwhile, academic Professor Jonathan Jansen has criticised the changes, calling them "anti-intellectual" and "soul-deadening", and warning they could undermine education standards.
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Education Portfolio Committee Chairperson Joy Maimela says this is exactly why public participation is important.
"We are very happy with the work that has been done," said Maimela.
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"The content is more comprehensive."
Government is now calling on parents, civil society and organisations to participate in the process to help strengthen the framework.