Current challenges in South Africa’s in Higher education sector: A literature review

Abstract

This paper examines the current problems in South Africa's higher education sector. It argues that even though there has been a considerable increase in the number of enrollments in South Africa's higher education institutions since 1994, this increase has led to considerable problems, which, unless addressed, will threaten the quality of South Africa's higher education output. The paper employs the human capital theory to explain why higher education is essential and why South Africa has put it at the centre of its need for inclusive development. A narrative literature review examined the current challenges in South Africa's higher education sector. The paper found that the massification of higher education, increasing rate of students dropping out, infrastructure deficits, student accommodation and challenges around funding have given rise to numerous issues, such as riots and protests, which have, in the process, damaged university infrastructure. The paper concludes that without an alignment between what higher education produces and what the market needs, there is likely to be an increase in the production of graduates who will struggle to find employment, further impeding the need for inclusive socio-economic development.

Keywords

• Development
• Support
• Higher Education