Sustaining the quality of higher education system in South Africa

Perspectives and prospects

Authors

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.20853/40-5-8533

Keywords:

Higher Education Quality, Higher Education Sustainability, Perspectives, Diversified Higher Education ecosystem, South Africa

Abstract

The transformation of Higher Education (HE) in South Africa has emerged as an urgent national priority, driven by persistent concerns regarding the quality, equity, relevance, and sustainability of the sector. In response, policies and strategic frameworks continue to be reviewed and reconfigured. However, the implications and complexities of these reforms warrant deeper scholarly interrogation. Therefore, this position paper provides a blend of the author’s perspectives and the extant literature on the purpose, quality, and sustainability of HE in South Africa; the challenges militating against its quality and sustainability; strategies for its sustenance; and the prospects thereof. HE systems, irrespective of their context, are expected to provide a critical space for contesting ideas, creativity, and innovation, and to promote and sustain social justice in and through education. One of the responsibilities of the 21st-century university is to provide equal access to HE and lifelong learning opportunities that align with the Sustainable Development Goals. Furthermore, in the current geopolitical climate, it is more important than ever to educate students to understand global issues and to serve as role models and active participants in putting sustainability concepts into practice. This reflective paper, underpinned by the Fitness of Purpose Theory, provides viable strategies and prospects for achieving HE quality and sustainability in South Africa. It concludes that HE is the lifeline of nations and economies, and calls for a cohesive, diversified Higher Education ecosystem that prioritises student access, success, and social impact. 

Downloads

Download data is not yet available.

Author Biography

S. M. Moeng, Nelson Mandela University

Faculty of Education

References

Aboderin, Olukayode S., and Marietjie Havenga. 2024. “Essential Skills and Strategies in Higher Education for the Fourth Industrial Revolution: A Systematic Literature Review.” South African Journal of Higher Education 38 (2): 24–43. https://doi.org/10.20853/38-2-5430.

Aithal, Sreeramana, and Kumar Maiya. 2023. “Exploring Quality in Higher Education: An Introduction and Theoretical Framework.” International Journal of Philosophy and Languages 2 (2): 98–114.

Albertus, Rene, and Frank Makoza. 2025. “South African National Students’ Financial Aid Scheme Crisis: Theory of Communicative Action.” Transformation in Higher Education 10: a450.

Allais, Stephanie, and Volker Wedekind. 2020. “Targets, TVET and Transformation.” In Grading Goal Four, 322–338. Brill. https://doi.org/10.1163/9789004430365_015.

AlQhtani, Fatemah Mohammad. 2025. “Knowledge Management for Research Innovation in Universities for Sustainable Development: A Qualitative Approach.” Sustainability 17 (6): 2481. https://doi.org/10.3390/su17062481.

Banker, Deborah, and Jamie Borchardt. 2025. “Students’ Perspectives on an Internship Experience.” Journal of Research in Innovative Teaching and Learning, 1–12. https://doi.org/10.1108/JRIT-07-2024-0198.

Barnett, Ronald. 2019. “University Challenge: Division, Discourse and Democracy.” Postdigital Science and Education 1 (2): 283–287. https://doi.org/10.1007/s42438-019-00044-z.

Benítez-Núñez, Claudia, Nieves Lidia Díaz-Díaz, José Luis Ballesteros-Rodríguez, and Petra de Saá-Pérez. 2024. “Explaining Academic Researchers’ Performance from the Ability–Motivation–Opportunity (AMO) Perspective.” Studies in Higher Education 49 (12): 2423–2440. https://doi.org/10.1080/03075079.2024.2307965.

Benrouina, Mourad, and Omar Malki. 2023. “Assessing the Impact of Quality of Education on the Knowledge Economy: Evidence from Algeria.” SocioEconomic Challenges 7 (2): 94–104. https://doi.org/10.21272/sec.7(2).94-104.2023.

Bettinson, Emma, Kelly Young, Claire Haven-Tang, and Mark Francis. 2024. “Employers’ Conceptions of Quality and Value in Higher Education.” Higher Education 87: 1393–1409. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10734-023-01069-x.

Branson, Nicola, and Tia L. Zuze. 2012. “Education, the Great Equaliser: Improving Access to Quality Education.” Children’s Institute, University of Cape Town, 69–74.

Brooks, Rachel, Achala Gupta, Sazana Jayadeva, and Jessie Abrahams. 2020. “Students’ Views about the Purpose of Higher Education: A Comparative Analysis of Six European Countries.” Higher Education Research and Development 40 (7): 1375–1388. https://doi.org/10.1080/07294360.2020.1830039.

Buys, Thamsanqa. 2018. “The National Development Plan of South Africa on Higher Education: A Progress Review.” MAdmin dissertation, University of Pretoria, Pretoria. http://hdl.handle.net/2263/67970.

Carnerud, Daniel. 2018. “25 Years of Quality Management Research: Outlines and Trends.” International Journal of Quality and Reliability Management 35 (1): 208–231.

Chan, Y. Roy. 2016. “Understanding the Purpose of Higher Education: An Analysis of the Economic and Social Benefits for Completing a College Degree.” Journal of Education Policy, Planning and Administration 6 (5): 1–41.

Chankseliani, Maia. 2022. “International Development Higher Education: Looking from the Past, Looking to the Future.” Oxford Review of Education 48 (4): 457–473. https://doi.org/10.1080/03054985.2022.2077325.

Chankseliani, Maia, and Tristan McCowan. 2021. “Higher Education and the Sustainable Development Goals.” Higher Education 81 (1): 1–8. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10734-020-00652-w.

Chankseliani, Maia, Ikboljon Qoraboyev, and Dilbar Gimranova. 2021. “Higher Education Contributing to the Local, National, and Global Development: New Empirical and Conceptual Insights.” Higher Education 81 (1): 109–127. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10734-020-00565-8.

Cheng, Ming, Olalekan Adekola, Joclarisse Albia, and Sanfa Cai. 2022. “Employability in Higher Education: A Review of Key Stakeholders’ Perspectives.” Higher Education Evaluation and Development 16 (1): 16–31. https://doi.org/10.1108/HEED-03-2021-0025.

Cloete, N. 2000. South African Higher Education Reform: What Will It Take to Create More Successful Universities? Centre for Higher Education Transformation.

Cloete, N., P. Maassen, R. Fehnel, T. Moja, H. Perold, and T. Gibbon, eds. 2002. Transformation in Higher Education: Global Pressures and Local Realities in South Africa. Juta.

Council on Higher Education (CHE). 2013. The Aims of Higher Education. Kagisano, no. 9. https://www.che.ac.za/file/6431/download?token=1HXDcpUT.

Council on Higher Education (CHE). 2022. Review of Higher Education in South Africa, Twenty-Five Years into Democracy. https://www.che.ac.za/rotating-banner-image/review-higher-education-south-africa-twenty-five-years-democracy.

Darling-Hammond, Linda, and Jon Snyder. 2000. “Authentic Assessment of Teaching in Context.” Teaching and Teacher Education 16 (5–6): 523–545.

De Klerk, D., A. Jadhav, and G. Hundermark. 2024. “Enhancing Student Success through Professionalised Academic Advising: A Model for Identifying Academic Advisors for South African Higher Education Contexts.” South African Journal of Higher Education 38 (5): 210–229. https://doi.org/10.20853/38-5-5219.

Dirkse van Schalkwyk, R., and R. J. Steenkamp. 2019. “A Top Management Perspective of Total Quality Service Dimensions for Private Higher Education Institutions in South Africa.” Southern African Business Review 20 (1): 577–599.

Dwaikat, Y. Nidal. 2021. “A Comprehensive Model for Assessing the Quality in Higher Education Institutions.” The TQM Journal 33 (4): 841–855.

Essop, A. 2008. “The Changing Landscape of Higher Education in South Africa.” In The Effects of Massification on Higher Education in Africa, edited by B. Mohamedbhai, 25–42. Association of African Universities.

Fernandes, Sandra, Alexandra M. Araújo, Isabel Miguel, and Marta Abelha. 2023. “Teacher Professional Development in Higher Education: The Impact of Pedagogical Training Perceived by Teachers.” Education Sciences 13 (3): 309. https://doi.org/10.3390/educsci13030309.

Findler, Florian, Norma Schönherr, Rodrigo Lozano, and Barbara Stacherl. 2019. “Assessing the Impacts of Higher Education Institutions on Sustainable Development—An Analysis of Tools and Indicators.” Sustainability 11 (1): 59. https://doi.org/10.3390/su11010059.

Francis, Mark, Ron Fisher, and Malin Song. 2021. “Conceptions of Quality as Family Resemblances.” International Journal of Quality and Service Sciences 13 (2): 282–299. https://doi.org/10.1108/IJQSS-06-2020-0091.

Freire, Paulo. 1990. Pedagogy of the Oppressed. New York: Continuum.

Golden, Brighid. 2023. “Enabling Critical Thinking Development in Higher Education through the Use of a Structured Planning Tool.” Irish Educational Studies 42 (4): 949–969. https://doi.org/10.1080/03323315.2023.2258497.

Graham, Lauren, Leilane Williams, and Charity Chisoro. 2019. “Barriers to the Labour Market for Unemployed Graduates in South Africa.” Journal of Education and Work 32 (4): 360–376. https://doi.org/10.1080/13639080.2019.1620924.

Granstrand, Ove, and Marcus Holgersson. 2020. “Innovation Ecosystems: A Conceptual Review and a New Definition.” Technovation 90–91: 102098.

Hallinger, Philip, and Chatchai Chatpinyakoop. 2019. “A Bibliometric Review of Research on Higher Education for Sustainable Development, 1998–2018.” Sustainability 11 (8): 2401. https://doi.org/10.3390/su11082401.

Hanshaw, George, Joanna Vance, and Craig Brewer. 2024. “Exploring the Effectiveness of AI Course Assistants on the Student Learning Experience.” Open Praxis 16 (4): 627–644.

Holmes, G. D. Andrew. 2020. “Researcher Positionality—A Consideration of Its Influence and Place in Qualitative Research—A New Researcher Guide.” Shanlax International Journal of Education 8 (4): 1–10. https://doi.org/10.34293/education.v8i4.3232.

Human Sciences Research Council (HSRC). 2023. “Report on Transformation at SA Universities: It Is about More Than Numbers.” https://hsrc.ac.za/news/equitable-education-and-economies/report-on-transformation-at-sa-universities-it-is-about-more-than-numbers/.

Jackson, Denise, Claire Lambert, Ruth Sibson, and Matalena Tofa. 2024. “Student Employability-Building Activities: Participation and Contribution to Graduate Outcomes.” Higher Education Research and Development 43 (6): 1308–1324. https://doi.org/10.1080/07294360.2024.2325154.

Jansen, J. D. 2004. “Changes and Continuities in South Africa’s Higher Education System, 1994–2004.” In Changing Class: Education and Social Change in Post-Apartheid South Africa, edited by L. Chisholm, 293–314. HSRC Press.

Kassar, J. M. Hashem, and Ahmed H. Al-Saqal. 2022. “The Impact of Strategic Foresight on Achieving Competitive Advantage: A Field Study in a Number of Private Colleges.” International Journal of Health Sciences 6 (9): 2285–2300. https://doi.org/10.53730/ijhs.v6nS9.12924.

Kefelegn, Habtamu, Aseffa Admassie, and Netsanet Getahun. 2026. “The Role of Higher Education Attainment and Graduate College Majors in Shaping Employment Status in Ethiopia: Evidence from Pooled Cross-Sectional and Pseudo-Panel Data.” Cogent Economics & Finance 14 (1). https://doi.org/10.1080/23322039.2026.2631192.

Kerimbayev, Nurassyl, Zhanat Umirzakova, Rustam Shadiev, and Vladimir Jotsov. 2023. “A Student-Centered Approach Using Modern Technologies in Distance Learning: A Systematic Review of the Literature.” Smart Learning Environments 10: 61. https://doi.org/10.1186/s40561-023-00280-8.

Klein, Genevieve. 2024. “Free Education? Promises and Policy in South African Higher Education Funding since 1994.” Journal of Southern African Studies 50 (6): 877–900. https://doi.org/10.1080/03057070.2024.2515796.

Lange, L. 2010. “The Performance of Higher Education in South Africa since 1994: Research Findings from the CHE.” In Higher Education Monitor No. 8. Council on Higher Education.

Lange, L. 2012. “Higher Education and the Idea of Social Justice.” South African Journal of Higher Education 26 (1): 85–102.

Lertpratchya, Alisa P., John C. Besley, Adam Zwickle, and Cameron T. Whitley. 2017. “Assessing the Role of College as a Sustainability Communication Channel.” International Journal of Sustainability in Higher Education 18: 1060–1075.

Maama, Haruna. 2025. “Curriculum Reform in South African Higher Education: Policy Effectiveness and Institutional Responses.” International Journal of Research in Business and Social Science 14 (5): 420–429. https://doi.org/10.20525/ijrbs.v14i5.4238.

Machumu, Haruni J., and Sipora H. Kisanga. 2014. “Quality Assurance Practices in Higher Education Institutions: Lesson from Africa.” Journal of Education and Practice 5 (16): 144–156.

Mainga, Wise, Marlo B. Murphy-Braynen, Remelda Moxey, and Syed Abdul Quddus. 2022. “Graduate Employability of Business Students.” Administrative Sciences 12 (3): 72. https://doi.org/10.3390/admsci12030072.

Mateko, Freeman Munisi, Musimuni Dowelani, and Rodrick Sinamano. 2025. “Digital Inequality and Transformation in South African Higher Education during COVID-19: A Comparative Analysis of Historically Disadvantaged and Historically Advantaged Universities.” Higher Education Policy. https://doi.org/10.1057/s41307-025-00416-0.

Mbaleki, Chuma I., and Munienge Mbodila. 2023. “Emerging Evidence on Student Funding: A Case of a South African Historically Disadvantaged Institution.” Africa Education Review 19 (3): 19–35. https://doi.org/10.1080/18146627.2023.2273278.

Mbangi, Awonke, Ncobela Cyprial Ndumiso, Mbangi Hlumela Siyolise, Rapai Fred, Kavita Behara, and Msomi Alfred Mvunyelwa. 2024. “Supporting Underprepared Students through Technology and Inclusive Pedagogical Strategies.” Proceedings of the Focus Conference 31: 422.

Menon, Shalini, and Ma Suresh. 2020. “Synergising Education, Research, Campus Operations, and Community Engagements towards Sustainability in Higher Education: A Literature Review.” International Journal of Sustainability in Higher Education 21: 1015–1051.

Meyer, L. 2025. “Taking a Seat at the Table: The Value of Private Higher Education in South Africa.” South African Journal of Higher Education 39 (1): 261–283. https://doi.org/10.20853/39-1-5956.

Moeng, Muki S. F., and Mensah Prince Osiesi. 2025. “Contextualising Graduateness in Africa: Teacher Educators’ Perspectives and Literature Insights.” Journal for Educators, Teachers and Trainers 16 (6): 148–171. https://orcid.org/10.47750/jett.2025.16.06.23.

Mortari, Luigina. 2015. “Reflectivity in Research Practice: An Overview of Different Perspectives.” International Journal of Qualitative Methods 14 (1). https://doi.org/10.1177/1609406915618045.

Moyo, Temwa, and Sioux McKenna. 2021. “Constraints on Improving Higher Education Teaching and Learning through Funding.” South African Journal of Science 117 (1/2): 7807.

Mutongoza, Bonginkosi Hardy. 2025. “Nothing but Noise: Challenges Impeding the Transformation of Higher Education in South Africa.” Interdisciplinary Journal of Education Research 7 (1): a06. https://doi.org/10.38140/ijer-2025.vol7.1.06.

National Planning Commission. 2012. Annual Economic Development Report 12. https://www.npc.gov.na/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/Annual_Economic_Development_Report2012.pdf.

National Planning Commission. 2013. National Development Plan 2030: Our Future, Make It Work. Pretoria: National Planning Commission, Government of South Africa. https://www.nationalplanningcommission.org.za/assets/Documents/ndp-2030-our-future-make-it-work.pdf.

Naude, P., and M. Sutherland. 2024. “2030: Future Scenarios for Learning and Teaching Models in Higher Education.” South African Journal of Higher Education 38 (3): 262–286. https://doi.org/10.20853/38-3-5974.

Ndebele, Clever, Newlin Marongwe, Thobeka Ncanywa, Samson Matope, Zanele Ginyigazi, Grasia Chisango, Phumla Nomatolo Msindwana, and Rufaro Garidzirai. 2024. “Reconceptualising Initial Teacher Education in South Africa: A Quest for Transformative and Sustainable Alternatives.” Interdisciplinary Journal of Education Research 6 (March): 1–19. https://doi.org/10.38140/ijer-2024.vol6.07.

Nørgård, Rikke Toft, Yishay Mor, and Søren S. E. Bengtsen. 2019. “Networked Learning in, for, and with the World.” In Networked Professional Learning, edited by A. Littlejohn, J. Jaldemark, E. Vrieling-Teunter, and F. Nijland. Cham: Springer International Publishing.

O’Neill, Geraldine, and Angela Short. 2023. “Relevant, Practical and Connected to the Real World: What Higher Education Students Say Engages Them in the Curriculum.” Irish Educational Studies 44 (1): 23–40. https://doi.org/10.1080/03323315.2023.2221663.

Osiesi, Mensah P., and Sylvan Blignaut. 2025. “Impact of the Teacher Education Curriculum on the Development of 21st-Century Skills: Pre-Service Teachers’ Perceptions.” Social Sciences & Humanities Open 11: 101317. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ssaho.2025.101317.

Osiesi, Mensah P., Muki S. F. Moeng, and Sylvan Blignaut. 2025. “Professional Ethics and Teaching for Change in the 21st-Century African Schools: The Roles of Teachers’ Professional Development and Curriculum Evaluation.” Journal for Educators, Teachers and Trainers 16 (1): 1–13. https://doi.org/10.47750/.

Owusu-Agyeman, Yaw. 2024. “How Lifelong Learning Shapes the Professional Development of Staff in Higher Education Institutions.” Quality Education for All 1 (2): 134–150. https://doi.org/10.1108/QEA-01-2024-0013.

Pandita, Alka, and Ravi Kiran. 2023. “The Technology Interface and Student Engagement Are Significant Stimuli in Sustainable Student Satisfaction.” Sustainability 15 (10): 7923. https://doi.org/10.3390/su15107923.

Paryono, Paryono. 2017. “The Importance of TVET and Its Contribution to Sustainable Development.” In Green Construction and Engineering Education for a Sustainable Future. AIP Conference Proceedings 1887: 020076.

Pramjeeth, Shamola, Dominique M. Nupe and Jayseema Jagernath 2023. “Challenges Impacting Higher Education Leaders in Achieving the Sustainable Development Goal of Quality Education in South Africa.” African Journal of Inter/Multidisciplinary Studies 5 (1): 1–13. https://doi.org/10.51415/ajims.v5i1.1178.

Raciti, Maria, and Shireen Motala. 2025. “Equity Challenges and Opportunities in Higher Education: Insights for Australia from South Africa.” Journal of Higher Education Policy and Management 47 (3): 351–367. https://doi.org/10.1080/1360080X.2025.2479431.

Ramasu, Tlotlo, and Grace Kanakana-Katumba. 2025. “Evaluating the Dynamics of Fee-Free Higher Education in South Africa: A Causal Loop Diagram Approach.” PubMed Central, 11775444.

Republic of South Africa. 2012. Green Paper for Post-School Education and Training. Department of Higher Education and Training. http://www.dhet.gov.za.

Rodny-Gumede, Yiva, and Colin T. Chasi. 2020. “Metaphors of Transformation of Education and Fitness for Purpose: Towards a Humanising Agenda.” South African Journal of Higher Education 34 (1): 213–230. https://doi.org/10.20853/34-1-3147.

Rosati, Francesco, and Lourenço G. Diniz Faria. 2019. “Addressing the SDGs in Sustainability Reports: The Relationship with Institutional Factors.” Journal of Cleaner Production 215: 1312–1326.

Salvioni, Daniela M., Simona Franzoni, and Raffaella Cassano. 2017. “Sustainability in the Higher Education System: An Opportunity to Improve Quality and Image.” Sustainability 9 (6): 914. https://doi.org/10.3390/su9060914.

Scott, Chaunda L., and Eunice N. Ivala. 2019. Transformation of Higher Education Institutions in Post-Apartheid South Africa. Routledge. https://doi.org/10.4324/9781351014236.

Segneda, Abdoulaye, Esupat P. Kone, and Lei Hongde. 2025. “Massification in Higher Education: A Systematic Review of Its Boundaries, Drivers, and the Role of Critical Pedagogy.” International Journal of Higher Education 14 (6): 108. https://doi.org/10.5430/ijhe.v14n6p108.

Sidiropoulos, Elizabeth. 2014. “Education for Sustainability in Business Education Programs: A Question of Value.” Journal of Cleaner Production 85: 472–487.

Şimşek, Ahmet S., Şule Cengiz Tepetaş, and Mazhar Bal Cengiz. 2025. “Extending the TAM Framework: Exploring Learning Motivation and Agility in Educational Adoption of Generative AI.” Education and Information Technologies, 1–25. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10639-025-13591-9.

Stander, Elmarie, and C. Herman. 2017. “Barriers and Challenges Private Higher Education Institutions Face in the Management of Quality Assurance in South Africa.” South African Journal of Higher Education 31 (5): 206–224. https://doi.org/10.20853/31-5-1481.

Tewari, Dev, and Kehinde D. Ilesanmi. 2020. “Teaching and Learning Interaction in South Africa’s Higher Education: Some Weak Links.” Cogent Social Sciences 6 (1): 1–16. https://doi.org/10.1080/23311886.2020.1740519.

Tomlinson, Michael. 2022. “Missing Values: Engaging the Value of Higher Education and Implications for Future Measurements.” Oxford Review of Education 48: 46–62. https://doi.org/10.1080/03054985.2021.1908247.

Uleanya, Chinaza, and Kathiya Yassim. 2025. “Quality Education versus Sustainable Development and Sustainability in South Africa: Scholarly Perceptions.” Journal of Further and Higher Education 49 (5): 568–584. https://doi.org/10.1080/0309877X.2025.2470763.

Ülker, Nilüfer. 2023. “Maintaining Quality of Higher Education during Difficult Times: Accreditation Compliance in Foreign Language Education.” Cogent Education 10 (1). https://doi.org/10.1080/2331186X.2023.2167320.

UNESCO. 2002. Education for Sustainable Development: From Rio to Johannesburg: Lessons Learned from a Decade of Commitment. https://unesdoc.unesco.org/ark:/48223/pf0000127100.

UNESCO. 2020. Global Education Monitoring Report 2020: Inclusion and Education: All Means All. Paris: United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization.

UNESCO. 2025. Development: Education for Sustainable Development—Learning to Act for People and Planet. https://www.unesco.org/en/sustainable-development/education/esd-net.

Vieriu, Aniella Mihaela, and Gabriel Petrea. 2025. “The Impact of Artificial Intelligence (AI) on Students’ Academic Development.” Education Sciences 15 (3): 343. https://doi.org/10.3390/educsci15030343.

Walter, Yoshija. 2024. “Embracing the Future of Artificial Intelligence in the Classroom: The Relevance of AI Literacy, Prompt Engineering, and Critical Thinking in Modern Education.” International Journal of Educational Technology in Higher Education 21: 15. https://doi.org/10.1186/s41239-024-00448-3.

Žalėnienė, Inga, and Paulo Pereira. 2021. “Higher Education for Sustainability: A Global Perspective.” Geography and Sustainability 2 (2): 99–106. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.geosus.2021.05.001.

Zhuang, Tengteng, and Ya-Ting Huang. 2021. “Characterising University Faculty’s Perceptions of Scholarly Teaching in Engineering Education: A Social Realistic Perspective.” Higher Education Research and Development 40: 646–660.

Downloads

Published

2026-09-19

How to Cite

Moeng, S. M. 2026. “Sustaining the Quality of Higher Education System in South Africa: Perspectives and Prospects”. South African Journal of Higher Education 40 (5):54-73. https://doi.org/10.20853/40-5-8533.

Issue

Section

Special Issue: The State of Quality of Higher Education in South Africa

Similar Articles

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 > >> 

You may also start an advanced similarity search for this article.