Change in South Africa

One final point of general importance must be mentioned before specific proposals are discussed. This is the effect on the African universities both north and south of the Limpopo of the dismantling of apartheid laws in South Africa and a political settlement there. It is, of course, common knowledge that South African universities, especially homeland universities, are already part of the wider African academic labour market, even if in a semi-surreptitious and restricted way. As the barriers come down the attraction of South Africa's large, varied, troubled, ueven but dynamic university system for African academics will be substantial. Some heads of departments fear a catastrophic loss of staff. On the other hand, many South African academics are likeley to wish to work elsewhere in Africa. It is by no means too early for this matter to be studied thoroughly and dispassionately. The probable effects need to be anticipated so that if any action is indicated, it may be considered in advance by all parties concerned.

Along with such prudent anxiety is a sense of anticipation that a great academic resource for the African continent will be opened, with important implications for staff development, academic visits and exchanges, research collaboration, and technical assistance. Again, there is every prospect of a two-way flow of expertise and enquiry. It may not be premature for such possibilities to be studied and, as soon as it is judged politically acceptable, for exploratory missions to be undertaken so that effective channels of communication can be established.

The Association of African Universities, together with the Southern African universities, would seem to be in the best position to take the lead in these matters. Non-governmental donors with good political credentials and long experience of developmental support on both sides of the border are well placed to play a facilitative role in such openings to the south.