The Transformation of South Africa's University System

In South Africa the transformation of higher education is part of the broad political
and socio-economic transition to democracy characterising the country and its
people. The transformation of higher education is not only a comprehensive process,
but also a radical one. Furthermore, it is a precipitous process – almost daily are
shifts 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 of
higher education during apartheid with a special focus on the role that the state
played , as this makes clear the reason for any transformation.
When discussing the transformation of South Africa’s higher education system, the
first item of business involves changing the racial complexion of university student
and staff profiles. Therefore it is necessary to discuss access policies for students
and affirmative action programmes concerning staff policies.
In the fourth chapter future perspectives, such as distance learning programmes, and
challenges will be considered that universities in South Africa are facing nowadays.
The centre of attention are the miscellaneous influences on the higher education
system. Finally, this paper will make clear the importance for South African higher
education institutions to develop a multi-dimensional view of diversity.

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