Higher Education Act, 1997 (Act No. 101 of 1997)

WHEREAS IT IS DESIRABLE TO—

ESTABLISH a single co-ordinated higher education system, which promotes co-operative governance and provides for programme-based higher education;

RESTRUCTURE AND TRANSFORM programmes and institutions to respond better to the human resource, economic and development needs of the Republic;

REDRESS past discrimination and ensure representivity and equal access;

PROVIDE optimal opportunities for learning and the creation of knowledge;

PROMOTE the values, which underlie an open and democratic society based on human dignity, equality and freedom;

RESPECT freedom of religion, belief and opinion;

RESPECT and encourage democracy, academic freedom, freedom of speech and expression, creativity, scholarship and research;

PURSUE excellence; promote the full realisation of the potential of every student and employee, tolerance of ideas and appreciation of diversity;

RESPOND to the needs of the Republic and of the communities served by the institutions:

CONTRIBUTE to the advancement of all forms of knowledge and scholarship, in keeping with international standards of academic quality;

AND WHEREAS IT IS DESIRABLE for higher education institutions to enjoy freedom and autonomy in their relationship with the State within the context of public accountability and the national need for advanced skills and scientific knowledge;

(English text signed by the President)

[Assented to: 26 November 1997]

[Commencement Date: 19 December 1997]

BE IT THEREFORE ENACTED by the Parliament of the Republic of South Africa, as follows:—