Manamela flags funding, AI and transformation challenges in universities

Higher Education Minister Buti Manamela has raised concerns about the future of South African universities, highlighting funding, student financial burdens, institutional stability, and the need for transformation. Speaking at a webinar, he emphasized that universities should be places where knowledge is discovered and challenged, fostering societal development.

While acknowledging the country's progress in increasing access to higher education and fostering internationally recognized research institutions, Manamela stressed the importance of considering the long-term sustainability and purpose of the higher education system.

He identified sustainable financing and equitable access as critical priorities, arguing that student funding and institutional sustainability must be addressed concurrently. Manamela cautioned that expanding access without strengthening institutions could weaken the sector. He also called for universities to demonstrate their public value through contributions to society, while preserving academic freedom and encouraging independent inquiry.

The minister addressed the growing influence of artificial intelligence (AI) as a challenge for universities, urging them to prepare graduates to think critically and exercise ethical judgment in an AI-driven world. He also advocated for Africa to develop its capabilities in producing and shaping emerging technologies independently, rather than remaining reliant on foreign systems.

Manamela highlighted intellectual transformation and decolonization as key priorities, emphasizing the need for stronger African scholarship, multilingualism, and the integration of African knowledge traditions into teaching and research.

He called for universities to rethink their future, questioning whether the current system adequately addresses challenges such as inequality, climate change, AI, the future of work, and the unfinished work of democracy. Manamela urged stakeholders, including the government, universities, students, academics, workers, and society, to collectively shape the future of higher education.