Funding South African Higher Education: Steering Mechanisms to Meet National Goals
Published May 2000
Survey report that examines the challenges of funding technology in higher education, based on interviews with state finance officers and institutional representatives
The status of government funding for higher education in South Africa has changed significantly in years, the consequence of historical priorities and the effects of broader societal changes, shifting enrollment patterns, and other factors. Anticipated enrollment increases have not materialized and the overall dynamic of students and families, staff, and institutional stability has fluctuated considerably. As a result, calls for revision of the formula used to allocate public monies to institutions of higher education have increased in frequency and importance. This paper proposes a series of policy-driven “steering mechanisms” that will encourage universities and technikons to take certain steps that are consistent with previously codified national goals. These mechanisms can be included either as a part of the base formula funding that is provided to institutions, or as part of non-base or earmarked funding.