Expansion of Higher Education in South Africa: Problems and Possibilities

Abstract

The objective of this paper is to examine the expansion of higher education in South Africa, problems associated with it and how it will inform future trends in higher education in the country. To accomplish the objectives of this paper, a qualitative research approach was adopted which allowed for the review of literature that spoke to the title. It was observed that South Africa has been struggling to respond effectively to the expansion of higher education. The expansion of higher education has no doubt affected the quality of education offered, more so, courses offered by higher education institutions seem not to align with market demands, thus increasing the unemployment of graduates. This paper concluded that while greater participation in higher education is welcomed, the country ought to invest in higher education development by constructing new universities and colleges, ensuring more favourable student to staff ratio, and increasing the involvement of the private sector to mitigate the effects of the expansion.