Ubuntu ethics and the National Student Financial Aid Scheme

[摘要] ENGLISH ABSTRACT: In this thesis, I develop an Ubuntu-inspired critique of the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS). In my analysis, I show that NSFAS has not achieved its goal of ensuring equal access to higher education across income groups in South Africa. Furthermore, NSFAS's inability to meet societal expectations has contributed to the volatile environment at tertiary institutions across South Africa as well as political disenchantment more generally. The wave of student protests, which erupted across various higher education institutions between 2015 and 2017, are indicative of the social unrest which NSFAS has exacerbated as a result of its inability to promote the values of social harmony and solidarity.This thesis is split into four chapters.In the first chapter, I trace the historical development of the South African Higher Education and Training (HET) sector. I use a three-pronged approach in this analysis: I investigate the policy and actions of the South African government, both prior to and after the 1994 democratic elections, as well as the HET statutory base employed. I argue that such an overview shows a series of imperfect responses to the difficult situation that exists in the HET sector. More specifically, these difficulties include a slow rate of transformation, growing exclusivity and increased racism.In the second chapter, I elaborate on the theoretical basis of this thesis. The chapter aims to familiarise the reader with the theoretical points of departure that will underpin my critique of NSFAS. Specifically, I explore the uniquely African ethical theory known as Ubuntu and examine what it implies for how firms, and entities which operate in a similar manner to firms (such as NSFAS), ought to approach their business activity. I will argue that, in line with Ubuntu, these entities have a duty to promote social harmony and solidarity.In the third chapter, I assess whether NSFAS's current approach is appropriate to fulfil its mandated purpose. Specifically, the provision of financial assistance (loans or bursaries) to eligible students at public higher education institutions and colleges. First, I will analyse whether NSFAS's mandated purpose is morally justified, and, second, I will assess the moral basis of NSFAS's operational model. While the former analysis returns a positive result, NSFAS's operational model is a serious cause for concern.In the fourth chapter, I provide some concluding remarks. Specifically, I argue that NSFAS is in a position to promote harmony and solidarity by making tertiary education accessible to eligible students, namely students whose families cannot afford the costs associated with tertiary studies. This financial aid has the potential to facilitate equal access to opportunity in education for those students directly assisted by the scheme and also indirectly affects the lives of student's families. Despite this position, NSFAS has not been able to meet its potential and has made the situation of a vulnerable group worse. Finally, I make some tentative suggestions as to how NSFAS's mandate could be better achieved.

[发布机构] Stellenbosch University