Leading in the South African higher education

This chapter begins with a brief review of the major leadership theories in the discussion. It then moves on to an analysis of the nature and structure of the higher education systems and introduces the work of higher education sociologist Martin Throw who describes the features of the higher education system. The discussion pivots on Throw's descriptions of systems and their transitions from one stage to another. The question of transition is focused upon in order to describe the crisis in higher education in the country. The chapter makes the argument that this crisis is the product of the transition. It describes the features of this transition and on the basis of this discussion, looks at the experience of higher education leadership in 2015. The chapter closes with a consideration of the qualities and competencies that are necessary for leadership in the current period.