INFORMATION SERVICES: RESEARCH

9 September 2003

A Summary of the Higher Education Amendment Bill

Summary

The Higher Education Amendment Bill [B36 – 2003] (herein referred to as the Bill) was introduced in the National Assembly as a section 75 Bill. The explanatory summary of the Bill was published in Government Gazette No. 25226 of 21 July 2003.

The Bill seeks to amend the Higher Education Act of 1997. The amendment provides for regular reporting by the Council on Higher Education on the state of higher education. The Minister of Education, in terms of the Bill, may establish a national institute for higher education as a juristic person in Mpumalanga and the Northern Cape.

The national institute will coordinate the regional provision of higher education and other related matters. It will be managed, governed and administered by a board. A chairperson and not more than 10 ordinary members will constitute the board. The chairperson and an appointed member will hold office for a renewable period of four years.


The funds of a national institute will consist of money from Parliament, donations or contributions, interests and any other income received. The Auditor-General will audit the books of account and financial statements of the national institute for higher education.

The board is required within three months of the end of each financial year submit a report to the Minister of Education, which includes a financial statement on performance of its functions.

 

Reference

1. Higher Education Amendment Bill [B36 – 2003].

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