A reflection on perspectives on multiculturaiity in South African higher education

Abstract

The South African higher education system is facing dramatic new changes. One of the most challenging issues is that of multiculturaiity. Multiculturaiity in higher education exists next to other challenges such as a new National Qualifications Framework; quality assurance initiatives; an Act on Higher Education in which a New social and academic role is given to higher education; the massification of the university system; increased access to higher education by former disadvantaged students; and the emphasis on social and human development by means of higher education programmes. This article will reflect on the way in which multiculturality should be understood with in the new context of higher education in South Africa.