AS South Africa grapples with an educational disaster of seismic proportions, the stakes for our youth have never been higher.

More than 337 000 ambitious matriculants are poised for bachelor’s studies, yet a paltry 202 000 first-year spots languish unfilled across 26 public universities. The widening gap between aspiration and opportunity threatens to shatter the dreams of our future leaders, innovators, and thinkers.

Amid this turmoil, private higher education institutions (PHEIs) are emerging as a beacon of hope, poised to absorb the avalanche of students whose ambitions outstrip the limitations of the public system.

With private enrolment soaring by an astonishing 126% in the last decade, these institutions could play a pivotal role in absorbing the overflow, widening access, and providing the skills needed to drive South Africa’s economy forward.

In a bold move reflective of the urgency and imperatives of our times, the government has proposed a new policy aimed at recognising and regulating private higher education institutions.

This pivotal draft, published by former higher education, science, and innovation minister Dr Blade Nzimande, seeks to create a framework that could elevate PHEIs to the same status as their public counterparts—an essential effort to level the playing field in a system rife with historical inequities.

In 2023, the second draft of the policy for the recognition of the South African higher education institutional types was published for public comment. Once adopted and published in terms of Section 3(2) of the Act, institutions that meet the criteria may be established, converted, or declared as a public university, university college, or higher education college.

“The current higher education landscape classifies private higher education institutions as higher education institutions. The determination of this policy enables the potential for expanded access for first-time entrants into the higher education landscape,” the draft policy stated.

The ultimate purpose is to contribute to “diminishing distinction between historically advantaged and historically disadvantaged institutions, which are a legacy of South Africa’s history”. The final policy document is expected to be released by the new Minister, Nobuhle Nkabane, this year.

According to the draft policy, to be recognised as a university, an institution must meet several criteria, including offering a wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate programmes, demonstrating a strong focus on research and innovation, and actively engaging with local and international communities.

Specifically, universities are required to have a significant student population, diverse academic programmes, and robust research activities. They must also participate in community development and international academic exchanges.

Yet, as promising as this policy sounds, it is fraught with hurdles. Dr. Carin Stoltz-Urban, chairperson of SA Private Higher Education (SAPHE), warns that the proposed regulations could stifle the very autonomy that allows private institutions to flourish.

“PHEIs reflect key niche fields of learning for which public higher education does not necessarily have an appetite. The recognition of private higher education institutions through the proposed legislation would positively impact them by granting them equal status and recognition alongside public higher education institutions,” Dr Carin Stoltz-Urban said.

Stoltz-Urban said this could enhance their credibility, attract more students, and foster healthy competition within the higher education sector. “However, in its current form, it would be challenging to implement the proposed regulations. No PHEI will be willing to give up its autonomy and academic freedom to attain university status by working under the trusteeship of an existing established university,” she said. “If these regulations are to be applied fairly, then public and private institutions should be subject to the same criteria.”

Indeed, with private education expanding at a staggering pace—more than doubling enrolments from 103 036 in 2011 to 232 915 in 2021—it is clear that PHEIs are crucial for filling the widening gaps in South Africa's higher education landscape, particularly for the “missing middle”—those students unable to secure spots in public universities.

According to SAPHE, the sector has witnessed significant growth, with enrolment in private institutions increasing by 126%. “This increase in enrolments sharply contrasts with the modest 13% growth in public higher education institutions during the same period,” Stoltz-Urban said.

“Private institutions often offer flexible programmes, alternative pathways, and specialised courses that cater to diverse student needs, thus expanding access to quality education and addressing skills gaps within the existing workforce,” she said.

In a case study of a SAPHE member—that has grown to exceed 13 000 students—it was found that it provides access to a cohort of students who are unable to find places in public higher education institutions.

The Independent Institute of Education (IIE)—which boasts a portfolio including Varsity College, Vega, and Rosebank College—views the draft policy as a positive shift aimed at addressing misconceptions about the quality and standards of private higher education in South Africa.

Shevon Lurie, IIE director, agrees that private higher education is fast emerging as a solution to South Africa’s higher education challenges. “Given the current challenges at many of the public universities, private higher education providers play an important role in widening access to higher education and we have greater agility to introduce future-focused qualifications. We balance theoretical knowledge with applied learning, leveraging industry-experienced lecturers to ensure curricula relevance,” Lurie said.

Professor Ahmed Bawa, higher education expert and former chief executive of Universities South Africa, believes private higher education is already an essential part of the national post-school system.

“More than 20% of higher education enrolments in South Africa are in the private sector. And this proportion is growing. More importantly in terms of the participation rate of 18-25 year olds in higher education we have fallen seriously behind the targets set by the NDP with no sign that public higher education can take up the access challenge. It seems to me that private higher education is not only necessary but critical to development,” Bawa said.

Echoing these sentiments, Dr Riaan Steenberg of Eduvos stresses that the time for action is now. “We are probably at least 200 000 seats short and we really do not have the levels of post-graduate research that are necessary for success in a knowledge and technology-driven research context in Africa.

“We need to up the game there both as the public and private sector through making post-graduate research programmes easier to establish and fostering collaboration between the sectors,” Steenberg said.

He calls for increased collaboration between public and private sectors to develop robust pathways and harmonise the education system, which will better serve job creation and the economy.

“The department will have to focus on harmonising the sector more and create pathways between institutions that are robust and well defined—otherwise we will continue to develop skills and higher learning in different pockets that never talk to each other and that does not serve the needs of job creation in the economy,” he said.

With the draft legislation unfolding, both critics and advocates acknowledge the need for a well-coordinated higher education system that places students—not bureaucratic hurdles—at its centre.

“The important challenge is to create a single higher education system taking into account the rich diversity of institutional types. Even with this policy framework in place, there are still many administrative and system-wide hurdles in place that need to be addressed. Key among these is student funding,” the chief academic officer at Stadio, Professor Divya Singh, said.

Touching on the advantages of private higher education, Singh emphasises that being recognised as a university would significantly elevate the institution’s status and prestige in the public eye.

“The term ‘university’ helps the public understand the equal standing of qualifications offered. Industry engagements through both push and pull, ie placing students in the workplace while equally bringing industry experts into the classroom, are integral to the teaching and learning model,” she said, articulating the ethos of modern education.

As the policy document is set for release under the new minister, all eyes are on how the government will navigate the gaping chasm of opportunities, ensuring that all students—regardless of their chosen path—can pave their way to success.

As our country stands on the precipice of an educational renaissance or a prolonged crisis, one thing is clear: the future of our youth rests heavily on the decisions made today. The time is ripe for transformative, inclusive policies that can radically change the face of higher education in South Africa, elevating private institutions to their rightful place in a reimagined educational framework. Failure to act decisively might just condemn a generation of talented South Africans to a future of unfulfilled potential.

Sunday Independent

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