These are the science and university funding policies of the parties running in next week's elections
On May 29, South Africans head to the polling stations to cast their votes in the country's seventh democratic general election.
The ruling African National Congress is widely expected to win less than half of the votes for the first time. This opens up the playing field for South Africa's other political parties, which could potentially gain more power as part of a coalition government after the election.
As the election approaches, Research Professional News has combed through each party's manifesto to find out what they have to say about higher education, science and technology.
This is a summary of that work and includes links to more detailed analysis.
African National Congress
South Africa's ruling party says it will improve access to education while expanding the use of science and technology to change society for the better.
The company has selected green technology and climate change as key areas for investment, along with artificial intelligence and blockchain.
It also aims to increase both enrollment and graduation of students from the country's universities, with a focus on students from traditionally disadvantaged demographic groups and students with disabilities.
A complete analysis of the ANC manifesto
democratic alliance
South Africa's main opposition party, the Democratic Alliance, has focused its manifesto on the country's higher education funding environment.
This includes reforming the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) and making it more sustainable by turning it into a 'tiered system' that offers loans and grants with greater emphasis on repayment. .
The DA also says it will “invest in research and innovation” to improve higher education outcomes and attract top researchers from around the world.
A complete analysis of the DA's manifesto
Economic Freedom Fighter
The Economic Freedom Fighters have pledged to triple national research funding in their 255-page manifesto, the longest of any political party.
Many of its pledges revolve around expanding access to higher education, including providing free accommodation and meals to those in need.
The EFF says it will introduce a 2% education and training levy on private companies with a turnover of R50 million or more to fund education.
A complete analysis of the EFF manifesto
small party
Many of South Africa's smaller political parties also include higher education policies in their manifestos.
The Patriotic Union aims to combat “brain drain” by preventing students at state-funded universities from leaving the country “for an agreed period of time as recognition of the investment made by the state.”
The Inkatha Freedom Party says it will reform NSFAS by returning administration and management to higher education institutions. The party says this will improve efficiency, transparency and responsiveness.
Meanwhile, former president Jacob Zuma's newly formed Umkhonto we Sizwe party has indicated its intention to promote higher education within South Africa's borders.
In-depth analysis of minor party manifestos