**Thanks/dedication**

I dedicate this research work to all higher education institutions which are providers of initial teacher education programmes, entrusted with the responsibility of professional growth and development of future specialist foundation phase teachers.

I dedicate this to my mother, Mrs. Ellen Namvuwa Malikebu, father Brigadier General Victor Phillip Malikebu (Rtd) and my brothers Benedicto (Thamsanqa), Charles (Mthokozitsi) and Francis (Mduduzi) for their moral support and undying love.

## **Declaration**

I hereby declare that the text of this Chapter entitled Student Teacher Experiences of the Teaching Practicum in an Initial Teacher Education Program in the Western Cape is my own work and has not been presented for any other award at the Centre for International Teacher Education, Cape Peninsula University of Technology.

*Education Annual Volume 2023*
