Higher education reforms in the Republic of South Africa in the context of transition from apartheid to democratic development

The article analyzes the development of higher education in South Africa after the abolition of apartheid in 1994, in the context of transition and macroeconomic development of the country. The focus is on the relationship between public policy, the reaction of universities to the reform of higher education and their impact on the economic, political, social and cultural spheres of society. The author gives a critical assessment of the achievements of the South African higher education and its response to existing challenges. These challenges are not considered as a threat to higher education and its contribution to economic and social development and democracy, but as major opportunities to create a more mobile, equal, flexible and high-quality higher education system. The latter could effectively contribute to sustainable economic development, accompanied by the growth of social equality and justice, the consolidation and deepening of democracy.