The Limits of Redistributive School Finance Policy in South Africa

Examines whether South Africa's no-fee school policy has equalized—or is perceived to have equalized—school resources and educational opportunities in basic education. It finds that the policy has reduced financial burden on black South Africans but wide gaps in school resources remain and some black South Africans are dissatisfied with poor access to elite schools. This study concludes that South Africa’s current school finance policies may be better characterized as pro-poor than redistributive, and points to implications for social cohesion.