This edited book presents a comprehensive analysis of South Africa’s Foundation Phase (FP) Initial Teacher Education (ITE) programme, drawing on four years of longitudinal research conducted by the Global Institute for Teacher Education and Society (GITES) at Cape Peninsula University of Technology. It explores the preparedness of pre-service teachers and the programme’s capacity to produce quality educators for transformative learning. Through data gathered from two universities between 2015 and 2018, the book examines four key areas: motivations and beliefs about teaching, subject-specific pedagogical experiences in Mathematics and Language, academic and historical journeys of student teachers, and the overall quality of the ITE programme, including teaching practicum and institutional support. The book deepens the conversation around teacher education in post-apartheid South Africa. It critically engages with national ITE policies and highlights the urgent need to reconceptualise teacher preparation to meet Sustainable Development Goal 4 targets. With evidence pointing to gaps in teacher competence and the quality of instruction, this volume offers timely insights and practical recommendations for enhancing ITE programmes. It is an essential resource for policymakers, educators and researchers committed to improving the quality of teaching and learning in South African classrooms.
