ABSTRACT
This chapter presents a synopsis of the most pressing transformational challenges that have and continue to plague the South African higher education (HE) system. Globally, education is hailed as the most important driver of social and economic growth and development of a country, and also as the most powerful instrument for reducing poverty and inequality. Staffing is increasingly becoming a serious problem in the South African HE system. Regarding staffing and staff qualifications, the Department of HE and Training (DHET) has established the “Staffing South African Universities” Framework, which is mainly aimed at increasing young Black academics. The current funding model for South African HE is such that block grants are given to universities on an equal basis. An advanced step by the government to address funding challenges in the HE sector was the establishment of a Working Group in 2012 to advise the DHET minister on the feasibility of making education fee-free for poor students.
