The Transformation of South Africa's University System

Seminar paper from the year 2002 in the subject Economics - Case Scenarios grade: 13 (A) Stellenbosch Universitiy (Faculty of Economics) course: Modern Economic Systems language: English abstract: In South Africa the transformation of higher education is part of the broad politicaland socio-economic transition to democracy characterising the country and itspeople. The transformation of higher education is not only a comprehensive processbut also a radical one. Furthermore it is a precipitous process - almost daily areshifts of emphasis and new issues which dominate the higher education debate.In the second chapter this paper will give an insight in the South Africa's system ofhigher education during apartheid with a special focus on the role that the stateplayed as this makes clear the reason for any transformation.When discussing the transformation of South Africa's higher education system thefirst item of business involves changing the racial complexion of university studentand staff profiles. Therefore it is necessary to discuss access policies for studentsand affirmative action programmes concerning staff policies.In the fourth chapter future perspectives such as distance learning programmes andchallenges will be considered that universities in South Africa are facing nowadays.The centre of attention are the miscellaneous influences on the higher educationsystem. Finally this paper will make clear the importance for South African highereducation institutions to develop a multi-dimensional view of diversity.[...]