The Regulatory Context in Private Higher Education in South Africa

Abstract

Regulatory requirements within a complex educational environment in South Africa are presenting a huge challenge to private higher education providers. With the increasing demand for post-school education, it is widely acknowledged that private education providers can play a significant role in the provision of education and training in South Africa. The purpose of this article is to outline the regulatory context in which the private higher education providers operate in South Africa. This article highlights the tension that exists between the business focus of private providers and the requirement of meeting the conditions of the regulatory framework. As a result, the management of private higher education institutions in South Africa not only has to deal with the influences of the conditions of the regulatory framework but also has to manage the tension this creates within the management process of planning, organising, leading and controlling of the resources to achieve institutional goals, including healthy financial sustainability and good quality education. DOI: 10.5901/mjss.2014.v5n20p258