Challenges facing higher education in South Africa : a change from apartheid education to democratic education

Management of Research Infrastructures: A South African Funding Perspective

“…To speak of a single, homogenous higher education system 25 years post-democracy would be painting an idealistic perspective with no consideration afforded to the social injustices and legacy left behind by the Apartheid regime (Mekoa, 2018;Reddy, 2004). The different types of universities under the new democratic government are still plagued by issues such as (i) unequal funding; (ii) skewed demographic profile of students and staff; (iii) inadequately skilled or trained academic staff to lead research projects and/or supervise postgraduate students; (iv) institutional histories;…”

“…(v) varying levels of support from industry as well as regional and local communities surrounding universities; and (vi) varying impacts of the evolving social discourses and national policy priorities (Mekoa, 2018;Reddy, 2004). In addition, there is a high level of variation with regards to ownership and access of RI within the higher education sector.…”

Background

“…To speak of a single, homogenous higher education system 25 years post-democracy would be painting an idealistic perspective with no consideration afforded to the social injustices and legacy left behind by the Apartheid regime (Mekoa, 2018;Reddy, 2004). The different types of universities under the new democratic government are still plagued by issues such as (i) unequal funding; (ii) skewed demographic profile of students and staff; (iii) inadequately skilled or trained academic staff to lead research projects and/or supervise postgraduate students; (iv) institutional histories; (v) varying levels of support from industry as well as regional and local communities surrounding universities; and (vi) varying impacts of the evolving social discourses and national policy priorities (Mekoa, 2018;Reddy, 2004). In addition, there is a high level of variation with regards to ownership and access of RI within the higher education sector.…”

“…These factors highlight the marked differences in status, infrastructure and capacities between those universities that are considered "historically advantaged" or "resource-rich" that previously catered for the minority white population; and those that are considered "historically disadvantaged" or "under-resourced" universities that were created by the Apartheid government to produce and domesticate emerging black elites. The latter, however played a pivotal role in eroding the legitimacy of the unjust Apartheid social form (Mekoa, 2018;Reddy, 2004).…”

“…Due to the legacy of the Apartheid system, the higher education landscape in South Africa remains highly differentiated despite efforts to reform the higher education system (Mekoa, 2018;Reddy, 2004).…”