It is argued that the relationship of South Africa's liberal universities and the state from 1948-90 was characterized not only by conflict, but also by considerable cooperation, by which all races benefited. The complexity of the relationship and some of the issues, such as apartheid, academic freedom, and censorship are examined. (MSE)

In the context of pressure for higher education reform in South Africa, this article argues that the policy debate frequently dichotomizes issues in a way that makes dealing with changing forms of state and changing state-higher education relationships more difficult. A distinction is made between administrative and political forms of control and…