![\"\"](\"https:\/\/businesstech.co.za\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/Dr-Phethiwe-Matutu.jpg\")
<\/a>South African academics, including Professor Linda du Plessis from NWU and Dr Phethiwe Matutu from Unisa, criticized Roodt\u2019s comments.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cRoodt\u2019s argument oversimplifies a complex educational and socio-political landscape,\u201d Du Plessis said in a press statement.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cSouth Africa produces high-quality graduates across numerous fields, and his statements fail to acknowledge the strides made in research, teaching, learning, and community engagement.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cGiven a graduate employment rate below 10%, compared to a youth unemployment rate exceeding 40%, a degree remains a sound investment,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
According to her, Roodt\u2019s focus is almost exclusively on the shortcomings of a handful of public universities, without acknowledging the many achievements in various disciplines.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
They include globally recognised researchers and world-class programmes, high-quality research output, and contributions to public health, science, and national policy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cHis narrative is one-sided and overlooks the essential fields that underpin the country\u2019s functioning, such as law, accountancy, engineering, nursing, social work, and teaching.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
She added that public universities are not merely educational institutions. \u201cThey are engines of social mobility, redress, and transformation,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cSuggesting that only 10% of the population should attend university disregards the national imperative to expand access to higher education, as set out in the National Development Plan.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Matutu shared Du Plessis views, saying Roodt\u2019s argument is disjointed and lacks understanding of South Africa\u2019s tertiary education system.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
She said only 20% of students are served by private institutions, while the public sector serves the other 80%.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Matutu added that the insinuation that public sector higher education is worse than what the private sector offers is untrue.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
South African public universities\u2019 audit outcomes<\/h2>\n\n\n\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/businesstech.co.za\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/Dawie-Roodt-1-1024x683.jpg\")
<\/a>Efficient Group chief economist Dawie Roodt<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\nSouth Africa has nineteen public universities and seven universities of technology, totalling 26 state-owned institutions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Matutu, who serves as CEO at Universities South Africa, claimed that South African universities are well-run institutions and that most received unqualified audits.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
She said in the 2023 financial year, 25 out of South Africa\u2019s 26 universities received unqualified audits. \u201cOnly one has not submitted its financial reports,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Roodt responded, saying that a university should be very well-run. \u201cEven if there is only one university with a qualified audit, it is unacceptable,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cThey must be institutions of excellence. I am afraid that there are many examples of mismanagement at South African universities.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Universities South Africa reply<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Subsequent to the publishing of this article, Universities of South Africa submitted a reply to Roodt’s position, which we have published below:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\nOn graduate employability<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\nContrary to Roodt\u2019s assertion, no data shows that graduates from private and public institutions have uneven employment rates. While youth unemployment in South Africa is about 37%, the overall unemployment rate among graduates is significantly lower at just 10%.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Higher education has one of the highest private returns, with recent figures showing an above 90% employment rate after graduation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Roodt\u2019s claim that private higher education providers are more responsive to industry skills demands is inaccurate. South Africa\u2019s public universities of technology have strong partnerships with industry, ensuring their curricula align with market needs. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
The participation of students in work-integrated learning programmes highlights this alignment. Additionally, many public universities are pioneering advanced training in emerging fields such as artificial intelligence and robotics, showcasing their innovation in a changing global economy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The inverted pyramid phenomenon<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\nPublic universities in South Africa enrol two-thirds of students in the post-school education and training (PSET) sector, with technical and vocational education and training (TVET) accounting for the remainder, creating an “inverted pyramid” phenomenon. The Department of Higher Education and Training\u2019s National Plan for Post-School Education and Training (NPPSET) aims to rapidly expand the TVET sector to enhance access and align it with economic and societal needs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
However, the envisaged expansion needs to take cognisance of the high unemployment rate of TVET completers. Data shows that the unemployment rate of TVET completers is above 55%. This can be partly attributed to the mismatch between the economic demand and the supply in the TVET sub-system of post-school education. In addition, the economy will need to increase entry-level positions for TVET completers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Roodt\u2019s suggestion to increase colleges is not novel. For that to happen at the expense of universities reflects a limited understanding of the post-school education landscape.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
In addressing Roodt\u2019s claims, USAf must also comment on capacity issues. South Africa faces a growing demand for higher education, with over 300,000 learners earning a National Senior Certificate bachelor\u2019s pass in 2025, while public universities could only accommodate 200,000.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Private providers enrol just 21% of higher education students, leaving public universities to serve 79%. With a 25% participation rate in higher education, South Africa falls far behind the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) countries, whose average participation rate was 78.6% in 2021. Therefore, Roodt\u2019s suggestion to reduce public universities is shallow, especially for an economist.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
USAf acknowledges private providers but notes that they primarily serve their shareholders and contribute little to serving the marginalised groups, particularly in infrastructure-intensive fields such as Medicine, Natural Sciences, Agricultural Sciences and Engineering. Both public and private institutions, including universities and TVET colleges, are vital for addressing the country’s PSET needs, a reality Roodt should learn.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
On public universities\u2019 financial management <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\nEvery year, public universities submit audited financial statements to the Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET). In the 2023 Summary of Audit Findings, 25 out of 26 universities received unqualified audits, indicating strong financial management. One university that initially delayed has subsequently submitted its reports, which are currently under review by the Auditor-General along with the 2024 submissions from other institutions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
USAf affirms that annual audits assess current performance and evaluate the response to previous findings. Thus, we view the verified 2023 audit outcomes as a reliable and sufficient reflection of the sector\u2019s financial health.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
On the quality of public higher education<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n In response to Roodt\u2019s pronouncement questioning the quality of public universities\u2019 offerings, USAf aligns with the views of the Council on Higher Education (CHE), which applies a stringent quality assurance framework equally to public and private institutions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
A recent report from the CHE and Human Sciences Research Council, Stakeholder Perspectives on the Quality of Higher Education in South Africa, highlights a generally positive perception of South Africa’s university sector, both public and private. Stakeholders praised advancements in equity, diversity, staff quality and quality assurance engagement, while noting that quality challenges are common across all institutions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
While graduate employability is often cited as a quality indicator, the report acknowledges the role of external factors, such as a stagnant economy, which might limit graduate absorption despite market demand.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The CHE is conducting a study with the International Finance Corporation on graduate employability practices in South Africa\u2019s higher education system. USAf supports this research and looks forward to its findings, which we hope will clarify misunderstandings.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
In the interim, available data do not support the assertion that private institutions offer superior quality to their public counterparts.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Conclusion<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\nAll citizens are entitled to freedom of expression as enshrined in the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa. However, this right must be exercised responsibly, with due regard for the reputations and integrity of others.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
At USAf, we believe both public and private institutions play a crucial role in advancing South Africa’s knowledge and skills for global progress. Instead of competing for student enrolments, we should complement each other\u2019s strengths to meet the country\u2019s developmental needs in higher education.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
By disseminating the aforementioned inaccuracies in the media, Roodt has misled our institutions\u2019 stakeholders and partners, potentially undermining our universities\u2019 ability to attract third-stream income. This narrative must be corrected.<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n
<\/a>South Africa has nineteen public universities and seven universities of technology, totalling 26 state-owned institutions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Matutu, who serves as CEO at Universities South Africa, claimed that South African universities are well-run institutions and that most received unqualified audits.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
She said in the 2023 financial year, 25 out of South Africa\u2019s 26 universities received unqualified audits. \u201cOnly one has not submitted its financial reports,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Roodt responded, saying that a university should be very well-run. \u201cEven if there is only one university with a qualified audit, it is unacceptable,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cThey must be institutions of excellence. I am afraid that there are many examples of mismanagement at South African universities.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Universities South Africa reply<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Subsequent to the publishing of this article, Universities of South Africa submitted a reply to Roodt’s position, which we have published below:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\nOn graduate employability<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
Contrary to Roodt\u2019s assertion, no data shows that graduates from private and public institutions have uneven employment rates. While youth unemployment in South Africa is about 37%, the overall unemployment rate among graduates is significantly lower at just 10%.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Higher education has one of the highest private returns, with recent figures showing an above 90% employment rate after graduation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Roodt\u2019s claim that private higher education providers are more responsive to industry skills demands is inaccurate. South Africa\u2019s public universities of technology have strong partnerships with industry, ensuring their curricula align with market needs. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
The participation of students in work-integrated learning programmes highlights this alignment. Additionally, many public universities are pioneering advanced training in emerging fields such as artificial intelligence and robotics, showcasing their innovation in a changing global economy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The inverted pyramid phenomenon<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
Public universities in South Africa enrol two-thirds of students in the post-school education and training (PSET) sector, with technical and vocational education and training (TVET) accounting for the remainder, creating an “inverted pyramid” phenomenon. The Department of Higher Education and Training\u2019s National Plan for Post-School Education and Training (NPPSET) aims to rapidly expand the TVET sector to enhance access and align it with economic and societal needs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
However, the envisaged expansion needs to take cognisance of the high unemployment rate of TVET completers. Data shows that the unemployment rate of TVET completers is above 55%. This can be partly attributed to the mismatch between the economic demand and the supply in the TVET sub-system of post-school education. In addition, the economy will need to increase entry-level positions for TVET completers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Roodt\u2019s suggestion to increase colleges is not novel. For that to happen at the expense of universities reflects a limited understanding of the post-school education landscape.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
In addressing Roodt\u2019s claims, USAf must also comment on capacity issues. South Africa faces a growing demand for higher education, with over 300,000 learners earning a National Senior Certificate bachelor\u2019s pass in 2025, while public universities could only accommodate 200,000.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Private providers enrol just 21% of higher education students, leaving public universities to serve 79%. With a 25% participation rate in higher education, South Africa falls far behind the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) countries, whose average participation rate was 78.6% in 2021. Therefore, Roodt\u2019s suggestion to reduce public universities is shallow, especially for an economist.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
USAf acknowledges private providers but notes that they primarily serve their shareholders and contribute little to serving the marginalised groups, particularly in infrastructure-intensive fields such as Medicine, Natural Sciences, Agricultural Sciences and Engineering. Both public and private institutions, including universities and TVET colleges, are vital for addressing the country’s PSET needs, a reality Roodt should learn.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
On public universities\u2019 financial management <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
Every year, public universities submit audited financial statements to the Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET). In the 2023 Summary of Audit Findings, 25 out of 26 universities received unqualified audits, indicating strong financial management. One university that initially delayed has subsequently submitted its reports, which are currently under review by the Auditor-General along with the 2024 submissions from other institutions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
USAf affirms that annual audits assess current performance and evaluate the response to previous findings. Thus, we view the verified 2023 audit outcomes as a reliable and sufficient reflection of the sector\u2019s financial health.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
On the quality of public higher education<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
In response to Roodt\u2019s pronouncement questioning the quality of public universities\u2019 offerings, USAf aligns with the views of the Council on Higher Education (CHE), which applies a stringent quality assurance framework equally to public and private institutions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
A recent report from the CHE and Human Sciences Research Council, Stakeholder Perspectives on the Quality of Higher Education in South Africa, highlights a generally positive perception of South Africa’s university sector, both public and private. Stakeholders praised advancements in equity, diversity, staff quality and quality assurance engagement, while noting that quality challenges are common across all institutions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
While graduate employability is often cited as a quality indicator, the report acknowledges the role of external factors, such as a stagnant economy, which might limit graduate absorption despite market demand.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The CHE is conducting a study with the International Finance Corporation on graduate employability practices in South Africa\u2019s higher education system. USAf supports this research and looks forward to its findings, which we hope will clarify misunderstandings.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
In the interim, available data do not support the assertion that private institutions offer superior quality to their public counterparts.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Conclusion<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
All citizens are entitled to freedom of expression as enshrined in the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa. However, this right must be exercised responsibly, with due regard for the reputations and integrity of others.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
At USAf, we believe both public and private institutions play a crucial role in advancing South Africa’s knowledge and skills for global progress. Instead of competing for student enrolments, we should complement each other\u2019s strengths to meet the country\u2019s developmental needs in higher education.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
By disseminating the aforementioned inaccuracies in the media, Roodt has misled our institutions\u2019 stakeholders and partners, potentially undermining our universities\u2019 ability to attract third-stream income. This narrative must be corrected.<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n