Higher education in South Africa at the crossroads

Abstract

In this article the authors explore the current state of higher education in South Africa in an attempt to locate the study within the current socio-economic and political imperatives driven by the knowledge economy and a changing global environment. The article is based largely on an examination of current education policy documents that address future developments in higher education in the South African context. The key aim is to understand the trajectory that higher education in South Africa is taking to help millions of young people in South Africa (including those who are currently excluded from sought-after fields of study and training institutions) access those opportunities that are available and, in the process, to promote equity and redress, quality, development, democratisation, academic freedom, institutional autonomy, effectiveness and efficiency, and public accountability. The authors acknowledge that great strides have been taken in the country to make higher education a reality for many young people.