Reflections on the recent Higher Education Summit

In an interfaculty seminar at Rhodes university, academics came together to get first-hand feedback from Peter Vale, Nelson Mandela Professor of Politics in the Department of Politics and International Studies, on the recent Higher Education Summit. 

Prof Vale initiated the feedback session by giving a broad overview of key discussion points that emerged, which was followed by lengthy debate on what the future holds for academics in South Africa.

The debate that followed was kicked off by an academic pointing out that higher education seems to be split between aiming for teaching and learning excellence or for development. While aiming for development is the right thing to do, this academic argued that without teaching and learning excellence there can be no development. He felt that, as a result, the focus should rather be shifted to teaching and learning excellence.

While academics discussed their role in higher education and how they feel voiceless, one academic mentioned that in Brazil, higher education is taken so seriously that their postgraduate students are paid a salary to study further.

Academics present agreed that the interests of all academics should be redefined and as a result a special role should emerge. This, it seems to them, is one of several missing links in higher education in South Africa today.

An observation was made that many in the room did not like very much – that suggested academics were being silenced. Some in the room felt betrayed while others felt that this presented a unique opportunity for academics to rethink and rework the way higher education was headed.

Prof Vale further pointed out that Dr Blade Nzimande, the Minister of Higher Education and Training, is aiming to shift more students into higher learning institutions like trade schools instead of focusing on universities. By doing this, more practical skills and talents can be developed and also faster and with less financial strain on the student. But does that mean that the future is bleak for academics in South Africa?

Further, the debate pointed out that academic leadership in South Africa seem to be weak – and this was, for some, the real issue at the heart of higher education. Most in the room agreed that there used to be a much deeper understanding and appreciation of academics in the past.

If this appreciation was to be rekindled, some very important decisions needed to be taken and even more importantly, academics needed to take action before it is too late.

For more information click here

HE Summit Declaration