On 8 August 2022, a new higher education draft policy was announced, rocking the boat of debate.
The policy, which will lead to all South African institutions of higher learning to be classified into three types, has received mixed reviews, ranging from shock to skepticism.
The draft policy calls for three forms of higher learning institutions: universities, university colleges and higher education colleges.
The policy lays out how fledgling university colleges will differ from full universities, and how both are distinct from higher education colleges.
However, despite the negative feedback that has surfaced due to the decision, some experts within the Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET), hold the view that the draft policy "is not the major disruption some perceive it to be."
Commentators against the draft policy say that changing the classification of existing universities could be a turbulent decision, while those in agreeance have said the proposed differentiation of higher education institutions might better cater to an individual student's needs.
The DHET says if the implications of the draft policy were being measured as an earthquake, it would be a minor tremor.
“What is major about this draft policy is the introduction of two new types of institutions: higher education colleges and university colleges,” said Mahlubi Chief Mabizela, Chief Director responsible for Higher Education Policy and Research Support in the DHET.
The policy could result in South African universities being downgraded or shut down if they don't comply with new requirements that were gazetted by Higher Education Minister Blade Nzimande.
"Private higher education institutions that fail to meet the criteria for their officially recognized institutional type will be subject to deregistration and/or change in registration," warns the draft.
However, although the draft policy will definitely bring changes, it is more probable that it will only be implemented for future higher learning institutions, as the current 26 public universities in South Africa already meet the draft's DHET requirements.
Thus, all of these higher learning institutions are not likely to be heavily impacted by the implementation of the proposed policy in the present day.
“The only ground of the universities being shaken is the definition they didn’t have before. But the criteria are things they already do: research, community engagement, quality teaching and learning,” said Mabizela.
He continued, saying that what the DHET wants from higher learning institutions is to produce postgraduates, and that the institutions who are worried, are those not producing enough.
The public has until 8 September 2022 to comment.
