State of the Art of Quality Assurance in South African Higher Education: evaluation of existing initiatives and reflections on new initiatives to meet a changing higher education context

Abstract

Quality assurance is a world‐wide phenomenon that urges Higher Education institutions to be accountable and reflect value for money in all their activities. In the South African Higher Education system quality assurance practices and procedures differ. The present practices and initiatives directed towards quality improvement and assurance within the universities and technikons are examined. There is, in quality assurance activities, the complexity of mechanisms to assure quality, and the necessity of a holistic approach to quality assurance. Quality assurance in South African Higher Education is still in a developmental stage. Engaging in quality assurance activities requires acquaintance with the present state of the art of South African Higher Education quality assurance practices.