The impact of privatisation of administrative services at Tertiary Institutions with special reference to the University of North-West

Abstract

Some of the reasons that prompted the undertaking of a research study on the process of privatisation at tertiary institutions, particularly the University of North-West are outlined hereunder. These relate to the dramatic changes in the general administration of tertiary institutions, as response to South Africa's new political dispensation in 1994. These changes marked the beginning of the process of restructuring and development, which heralded the unfolding of the new democratic dispensation that changed the complexion of all institutions of higher learning. The notion of privatisation was subsequently advocated for by the ANC government as part of its strategy in an attempt to boost the country's economy. However, this was met with mixed feelings by the labour movements, non-governmental organisations, and other political organisations. The University of North-West was no exception to all these changes. The institution experienced an ever-growing problem of employees' low morale, high levels of insecurity and uncertainty due to fear of change. Many people felt threatened, as they had to face retrenchment because they were declared redundant and referred to as "dead- wood". Employees were exposed to an unbearable pressure as management continued to explore the possibilities of engaging private companies as new or alternative service providers. These new service providers were perceived to be a challenge in terms of competition and the possibility of market-domination. The intention of this study is therefore to assess the extent to which tertiary institutions and their management are ready for such a transformation exercise. Further, it is to establish the impact of the process of privatisation with a view to recommending some remedial measures.