Title: Complexities influencing low output rates of black South African professors

Authors: Mavhungu Abel Mafukata; Mavhungu Elias Musitha

Addresses: Community Education and Research, Vhutali Management and Leadership Institute, Limpopo Province, P.O. Box 331, Louis Trichardt, 0920, South Africa ' Limpopo Department of Economic Affairs, Limpopo Tourism Agency, Polokwane, 0700, South Africa

Abstract: This paper investigates and discusses the complexities influencing low rates of black professors in South African universities. Emerging consensus in higher education debate is that the South African education system is characterised by low output rates of black South African professors. This paper uses literature review, document review and key informant interviews (KIIs) to investigate its case. Findings emanating from this paper were that indeed the South African university education has low output rates of black South African professors. The low output rates were informed by a plethora of multiple and intertwined factors. To correct the situation, first and foremost, the South African university education system should increase black post-graduate studentship in universities. Secondly, universities should increase the graduate output at doctoral level. Thirdly, a comprehensive academic growth path for doctoral graduates to be assisted towards professorship should be designed and enforced as a matter of policy for universities to adopt and implement. This instrument should be vigorously monitored and institutions should timeously report progress to an independent progress monitoring body.

Keywords: doctoral graduates; black professors; National Research Foundation; NRF; studentship.

DOI: 10.1504/IJHES.2017.090212

International Journal of Higher Education and Sustainability, 2017 Vol.1 No.4, pp.317 - 346

Received: 18 Jul 2017
Accepted: 19 Nov 2017
Published online: 05 Mar 2018 *

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