Listen to this article
10 min
Recent articles and debates in the media alluding to the poor quality of higher education in public universities, and making comparisons between the quality of higher education in public universities and private higher education institutions — apparently based on anecdote and perception rather than on clear evidence — are concerning.
They create misconception and division and detract from the real task we have: building a quality higher education sector that is accessible, including to the most marginalised groups in society; that provides meaningful opportunities for success; and that enhances the life chances of students who pass through it.
The higher education sector in South Africa is subject to a rigorous quality assurance regime, in which the Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET), the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA), professional bodies, the Council on Higher Education (CHE) and the institutions themselves all play complementary roles.
