In March last year following the release of the National Plan for Higher Education, I appointed the National Working Group (NWG) to advise me on the appropriate arrangements for restructuring the provision of higher education on a regional basis through the development of new institutional and organisational forms, including institutional mergers and rationalisation of programme development and delivery.
I am pleased to indicate that the NWG has discharged its mandate admirably and has produced an excellent report that provides the basis for taking forward the restructuring of the higher education system to enable it to respond to the equity and developmental challenges that are critical for improving the quality of life of all our people. I am particularly impressed by the fact that while sensitive to the historical and political complexities involved, the report has not allowed these complexities to stand in the way of advancing a bold framework for the restructuring of the higher education system.
The report will contribute to and enrich the debate on the restructuring of the higher education system. I am in no doubt, however, that those opposed to restructuring will examine the report with a fine toothcomb to support their objections. I am confident that they will not succeed. While, as can be expected given the complexities involved, there may be differences in terms of the detail, the principles that underpin the framework of the recommendations cannot be challenged.
I will consider the recommendations and intend finalising my response for approval by the Cabinet in March 2002. I have no doubt of the historic importance of the report. However, ultimately, its importance and the success of the restructuring process will be judged by posterity.
I would like to thank the NWG and acknowledge their commitment and dedication in taking on this task despite their busy schedules. This testifies to the fact that civic duty and responsibility remain abiding values that underpin democracy in South Africa.
31 January 2002