The NECC 1985 – 1995: From People’s Education to People’s Power

The NECC: A Pivotal Force in Education and Resistance (1985–1995)

The National Education Crisis Committee (NECC) played a crucial role in South African society during a significant
decade of political transition—from 1985 to 1995. Born out of a meeting convened by the Soweto Parents Crisis Committee
(SPCC) in 1985 to address the escalating crisis in Bantu Education, the NECC quickly became a key vehicle for coordinated
resistance to apartheid education.

This book seeks to rediscover the NECC and examine its relevance to current educational challenges and broader
struggles for justice in teaching and learning. Grounded in oral history, the book features 15 interviews with individuals
directly involved in or affiliated with the NECC—ranging from executive members and student leaders to union
representatives, volunteers, policy researchers, and international fundraisers.

The book opens with a contextual introduction covering the NECC’s historical background and the methodology used in
compiling the narratives. A literature review and selected archival sources provide further context and raise
reflective questions for readers.

In addition to the interviews, a set of analytical papers explores:

• The role and lived experiences of intellectuals within the NECC.
• The significance of the NECC’s Student Representative Council (SRC) campaigns for democratic school governance.
• The international and transnational networks that supported the NECC through funding and solidarity.
• A reflective essay on the legacy of People’s Education and its continued relevance in post-apartheid South Africa.

This work not only documents a critical chapter in South African education history but also connects it to contemporary
debates about transformation, resistance, and the purpose of education.