ACCREDITATION BY PROFESSIONAL BODIES IN SOUTH AFRICA: PERCEPTIONS OF UNIVERSITY ACADEMICS

Abstract

Professional bodies have vital roles to fulfil in relation to the regulation and enhancement of concerned professions. Among other reasons, academic programmes are subjected to the accreditation process to ensure that such programmes are of acceptable quality in the higher education system. However, there is a perception that an intensifying influence is exerted on universities by professional bodies focused on disciplines affiliated with the South African construction industry. This has resulted in a concern that the nature and extent of involvement of some professional bodies amounts to undue interference, with possible consequences for academic freedom.