The South African Union of Vice Chancellors Association (Sauvca) expressed ”cautious optimism” on Tuesday at the news of education minister Kader Asmal’s announcement to forge ahead with the merger of tertiary institutions.
Sauvca, which represents 21 public universities, said that while it always supported the broad goals and objectives of transformation, its reservations about using mergers as a primary tool to achieve this were well known.
Sauvca chairperson, Professor Njabulo Ndebele, said in a statement that Asmal’s announcement had brought to a close several years of intense debate on restructuring the country’s higher education system dating back to 1994.
”The next period requires a major shift in focus — how best to manage the process of realignment and development of this new configuration is our collective responsibility. Sauvca stands ready to assist in this process,” he said.
The body believed the process would be successful if authorities engaged the leadership at the various institutions and dedicated resources. Changes should also be introduced incrementally.
”This announcement is the beginning of a demanding change process. The road ahead will not be easy as the proposals are complex, ambitious and costly. Wise leadership, clear merger visioning and sound management practices will be required to deliver a new system,” Ndebele said.
Sauvca had been particularly concerned about resources dedicated to the restructuring process and welcomed the announcement that sufficient funding would be available.
”For higher education to support a national development strategy adequately, major investments are required. It is therefore essential that policy change is properly funded.”
On Monday, Asmal announced final plans for the restructuring of higher education. This would include reducing the number of institutions from 36 to 22. – Sapa