In terms of legislation, higher (tertiary) educational institutions that belong to the state may be called "universities", while those in private ownership may only be referred to as "institutions of higher education".
And although these independent institutions of higher education may confer degrees, the distinction creates the impression that those degrees are not equal to or on the same footing as "real" university degrees.
And the distinction does not only apply to names. Only universities may promote academics to professors. Someone older than 55 who resigns from their office at a university may continue using their title, but this rule is to the detriment of young, upcoming academics.
If one takes into account that certain universities in South Africa are placed under administration time and again and that having classes suspended is not out of the ordinary for them, it creates an impression of injustice. This impression is reinforced by the high-quality education and research conducted at "institutions of higher education" by hard-working staff members and committed students.
The Higher Education Amendment Act, which was adopted in 2017, does provide for the above-mentioned distinction to be replaced by a distinction between universities, university colleges and higher education colleges. The minister must, however, still announce the criteria that these distinctions will be based on.
The FF Plus brought the matter to the attention of Parliament yesterday by giving notice of a motion in this regard. Furthermore, a written question was submitted to the minister asking him what his timeframe is for the announcement of the relevant criteria.
As long as this matter remains unresolved, it means that deserving institutions and people are denied recognition while undeserving ones are given it. And that is no way to cherish a culture of academic excellence and innovation.
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