Breaking Free: A Path Towards Sustainability for Historically Disadvantaged Universities in South Africa – A Commentary

Authors

  • Michael G Nxumalo National Research Foundation image/svg+xml Author
  • Moloko G Mathipa-Mdakane Author

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.51137/wrp.ijarbm.515

Keywords:

Historically Disadvantaged Institutions (HDIs), Resource Allocation, Research Excellence, Growth-Oriented Framework, Entrepreneurial University

Abstract

Historically Disadvantaged Institutions (HDIs) have seen the enduring consequences of apartheid on South Africa's university system, resulting in significant inequities. In this article, we propose a performance-based paradigm which emphasises research excellence, community engagement, and institutional sustainability, incorporating specific metrics for advancement. The proposed framework aims to equip HDIs with the necessary tools to enhance their competitiveness and redefine their narratives. It advocates for community-based research and partnerships, urging the development of specialist programmes that leverage the unique characteristics of each institution. HDIs can enhance their credibility and secure necessary funding by specialised in specific sectors. The article emphasises the importance of transitioning from a dependency mindset to one of strategic self-empowerment to cultivate a culture of resilience and continuous growth. It advocates for governments to provide transparent benchmarks for HDIs’ development, enabling promising institutions to receive targeted support. For South Africa's educational institutions to transcend their historical disadvantages and attain respect for their excellence, it is imperative to foster systemic change and integrate HDIs into the broader educational framework.

Author Biography

  • Michael G Nxumalo, National Research Foundation

    Michael G Nxumalo is a Manager in the International Grants and Partnerships Department at the NRF and the Director of the Future Earth Africa Hub. His portfolio within Science Networks and Researcher Links (SNRL) centres on the global positioning of the NRF and South Africa’s National System of Innovation (NSI), supporting South African researchers’ participation in international networks, providing international travel grants, supporting attendance at global conferences, advancing inter-institutional partnerships, and offering secretariat services to global networks.

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Published

2026-01-20

Issue

Vol. 7 No. 1 (2026): IJARBM, Volume: 7, Issue: 1

Section

Commentary / Opinion Paper

License

Copyright (c) 2026 Michael G Nxumalo, Moloko G Mathipa-Mdakane (Author)

Creative Commons License

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.

How to Cite

Nxumalo, M. G., & Mathipa-Mdakane, M. G. (2026). Breaking Free: A Path Towards Sustainability for Historically Disadvantaged Universities in South Africa – A Commentary. International Journal of Applied Research in Business and Management, 7(1). https://doi.org/10.51137/wrp.ijarbm.515