According to the document, the purpose of the draft policy is to broaden the types of institutions that offer higher education qualifications.
Higher education minister, Blade Nzimande detailed that the policy sought to encourage a flexible and open system based on credit accumulation and multiple entry and exit points for students in order to permit greater mobility of students in the higher education system.
Following the announcement, the public was offered a period of about 30 days to comment on the draft policy and there has since been mixed reactions.
Many expressed concerns about institutions being likely to face downgrading or closure should they fail to meet some of the amendments.
At the same time, other individuals expressed that the new policy would pave the way for higher education institutions to become universities.
Since the draft policy only referred to Universities, University Colleges and Higher Education Colleges, many questioned how it would affect TVET colleges.
In response to these concerns, Minister of Higher Education, Science and Innovation Blade Nzimande has explained that the policy will have no bearing on the Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) Colleges.
The policy is directed at Higher Education Institutions only.
Nzimande says that TVET colleges will remain as they are and operate in the same manner they are operating currently.
