United colours of South Africa

One year after South Africa's first all-race elections, Nelson Mandela's government is urging universities and tecknikons - historically differentiated by race - to transform themselves in their countries' service.

The aim: to provide coherent and cost-effective cover for high quality research, applied research of direct relevance to South Africa's development, and education and training suited to students from all races and with all levels of previous education.

Afrocentrism, money, white domination of research, preparatory programmes for students, are among the issues being tackled with enthusiasm and determination across South African higher education.