Overview of throughput and retention towards understanding epistemic access and success

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Themes 2 and 3

Epistemic Access, Equity, and Student Success in South African Universities

Overview

The SARChI T&L Chair was invited to join a research initiative led by the Ali Mazrui Centre for Higher Education Studies (AMCHES). The project investigates epistemic access and success among students from disadvantaged backgrounds in South African universities.

While free higher education has addressed formal access, challenges around epistemic access and justice remain. Low graduation rates, high dropout rates, and widespread academic underperformance continue to affect higher education—particularly since the introduction of free tuition policies.

Project Scope

This study focuses on undergraduate students in six South African universities:

  • University of the Witwatersrand (Wits)
  • University of Johannesburg (UJ)
  • University of Pretoria (UP)
  • University of the Western Cape (UWC)
  • University of Limpopo
  • Central University of Technology (CUT)

At each institution, case studies were conducted within the Humanities and Natural Science faculties.

Data and Methodology

Student progression and pass rates (PPRs) were statistically compiled for the cohort from 2012 to 2018. Analysis was performed at both institutional and faculty levels using:

  • Higher Education Management Information System (HEMIS) data
  • Programme information from the six institutions

This enabled the creation of a composite statistical narrative for each faculty’s performance.

Research Team

  • Lead Investigator: Prof Shireen Motala
  • Research Coordinator: Zahraa McDonald
  • Team Members: Ahmed Essop, Logan Govender, S. Ndlovu

Time Frame: 2021–2023

Research Outputs

  • Chapter reviewing statistics (submitted to the CHE)
  • Journal article (planned)
  • Book chapter (planned)

Achievements

  • Completion and submission of the CHE report chapter

Challenges

  • Awaiting CHE approval to publish additional outputs using the project’s data

Contribution to Chair’s Strategic Goals

This research supports the Chair’s mission by offering deeper insight into:

  • Undergraduate teaching excellence
  • Equity, social justice, and decolonisation in university spaces
  • Improved understanding of epistemic access for disadvantaged students

Next Steps

  • All data collection is complete; CHE report submitted
  • Plan and host a workshop to map out key publication opportunities and assign teams
  • Produce journal articles, book chapters, blogs, and popular media pieces
  • Explore synergies with other Chair projects
  • Feed insights into the broader AMCHES project framework