Paper Title
A Systems Analytical Approach to Education: A Theoretical Perspective

Abstract
This study illustrates the multidimensional, complex challenges faced by the education system in South Africa particularly and in Africa in general. The research which was based mainly on a review of existing literature aimed to explore the influence of meso- (viz. education and gender), macro- (viz. education and crime) and supranational (viz. educational mobility) components of educational systems. A systems analytical approach was utilized as theoretical underpinning. From the review it was evident that the relationship between education and other system processes (for example crime, and gender equality) involves a combination of horizontal and vertical relationships. Index Terms— education, empowerment, systems approach, gender, crime, education system harmonization, South Africa, higher education.