A lively conversation on transformation in Higher Education at the University of Johannesburg’s Kingsway campus took place when students and Vice-Chancellors had the opportunity to air their views on one of the most critical matters on the educational landscape in South Africa, on Monday, 5 October 201
The dialogue complemented the Higher Education Summit on Higher Education Transformation, in Durban, Kwa-Zulu Natal (later in October 2015). The Higher Education Summit was recently announced by the Minister of Higher Education and Training, Mr Blade Nzimande.
As a prelude to the Summit, UJ, in partnership with the Department of Higher Education and Training, hosted the critical conversation, entitled On the Road to Durban. Issues around student accessibility to institutions of higher learning, student experiences within higher education, and the means to enable productive engagement to address issues of higher education transformation was raised by university Vice-Chancellors and student leaders during the dialogue.
The seven member panel consisted of three Vice-Chancellors and student leaders, representing various student bodies from universities across South Africa.
The panelists included: Prof Ihron Rensburg (Vice-Chancellor and Principal, UJ); Prof Dan Kgwadi (Vice-Chancellor, North West University) and Dr Sizwe Mabizela (Vice-Chancellor, Rhodes University). Student leaders from UJ, Wits, Fort Hare and the ‘Open Stellenbosch’ movement joined the panel. In a packed theatre, students from the floor voiced their opinions and concerns.