Hanoi:Higher Education and Training Minister Buti Manamela has emphasized the need for South African universities to enhance their financial health and governance while maintaining their commitment to serving the public good.
According to South African Government News Agency, Manamela addressed the 4th Universities South Africa (USAf) Higher Education Conference at the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) Convention Centre, stressing that universities must not compromise their societal responsibilities for financial sustainability.
Manamela highlighted the importance of balancing fiscal stability with public purpose, noting that a university that cannot manage its finances or loses sight of its public mission is failing. The conference, themed 'Co-creating a Resilient Future,' gathered university leaders, academics, and various stakeholders to discuss the future of higher education.
The Minister outlined three crucial aspects for the future of higher education financing, governance, and the development of knowledge and human capabilities. He linked these to public trust, which hinges on resource allocation, power dynamics, and knowledge production.
Manamela advocated for a clear distinction between student and institutional financing, emphasizing the importance of the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) for student access while recognizing that institutional sustainability requires more comprehensive support.
He also urged universities to avoid wasteful spending, highlighting the impact of poor procurement and mismanaged projects on teaching and research resources. Manamela called for transparency in the costs associated with student success and academic quality.
Regarding governance, Manamela underscored the need for university autonomy and academic freedom, ensuring institutions can challenge government policies when necessary. He stressed the importance of defined roles and effective relationships among councils, senates, executives, students, and staff.
Manamela called for increased accountability, emphasizing the need for lawful decision-making and effective management of conflicts of interest. He advocated for stronger collaboration among government, universities, industry, communities, students, and labor to create a resilient higher education system, suggesting shared infrastructure and services, enhanced research partnerships, and improved governance as potential areas for cooperation.
