Policy Framework on Differentiation in the South African Post-School System: Draft

The Department of Higher Education and Training invites you to comment on the Draft Policy Framework on Differentiation in the South African Post-School System. .

The Policy Framework is published in terms of section 3, read with section 69 of the Higher Education Act, 101 of 1997, that the Minister, after consultation with the Council on Higher Education (CHE) must determine policy on higher education and publish such policy by notice in the Gazette; and, that he Minister may make regulations consistent with this act on any policy mater as contemplated in section 3.

The Draft Policy Framework on Differentiation in the South African Post-School System was produced after it became apparent that a clear policy framework on differentiation is necessary. The purpose of the document is to provide a framework on differentiation for the South African post-school education system with government steering in terms of planning, quality assurance and funding.

The post-school sector should be viewed as a continuum ranging from further education colleges and training institutions, to largely under-graduate teaching and learning institutions, some with acceptable and appropriate research and postgraduate niches to specialized research-intensive or research-led institutions. It is paramount o link this development to adequate funding, especially for under-capitalised institutions; relating to regional and local economic agreements and needs; and, enabling portability of students, academics and knowledge across the sector.

The framework is situated within the context of taking into account geographical location and institutional strategies linked to applicable mission statements; social or community expectations and pressures; internal dynamics, legacies and the capacities of the institutions.

The framework for differentiation aims to be national, integrative and linked to the wider post-secondary education system, and provides a basis for 'negotiated' determinations of individual institutional trajectories -taking into account heir local and regional contexts, legacy challenges, current capacities and realistic prospects.

Find attached Document here: Draft Policy Framework on Differentiation in the South African Post-School System

Comments can be emailed to Dr EL van Staden at [email protected] by no later than Thursday, 16 October 2014

Enquires can be directed to Dr EL van Staden on tel (012) 312-5889