Towards A Contextual Analysis of Structural Patterns of Private Public Higher education in South Africa

Abstract

This mini thesis examines a key phenomenon currently confronting the higher education system in South Africa. The study analyses the development of different types of structural patterns which characterise the private and public higher education sectors in South Africa. It does this by particularly focusing on the development and growth of the private higher education sector in the country and its impact on shaping these structural patterns. This approach is aimed at improving on the limited public knowledge and understanding that exists about the development and operation of the private higher education sector in South Africa. To do this it has been necessary at times to explore available information on the public higher education sector which has informed the development of the private higher education sector. It periodises the development of the public higher education sector and maps out structural patterns that have exists and moves towards understanding the typology of structural patterns that characterise the higher education system in South Africa. The study examines possible structural patterns that could be suitable for the contemporary context, characterised by the rising prominence of the private higher education sector in South Africa. To this end, it reviews international literature and examines variables used to determine the degree of "privateness" and/or "publicness" of the two sectors. It also reviews contextual factors impacting on the formation of different types of structural patterns of higher education systems. It is against this background that this study reviews the development of private higher education in South Africa. In conclusion, it poses challenges faced by policy makers with regard to relevant policies for the coexistence of the private and public higher education sectors in this country.