World university rankings: Reflections on teaching and learning as the Cinderella function in the South African higher education system

Not much has been devoted to teaching and learning in the world university ranking debate. This theoretical article is based on a qualitative research approach with a case study research design guiding the literature review on global ranking systems. The findings indicate that in the South African context, ethical decision-making should guide decisions regarding whether a university should be ranked. As market leaders, global rankings have the potential to set new trends in rankings that focus on teaching and learning as essential functions of a university on par with research. In addition, the importance accorded to global rankings should not be considered for a few universities but for the value they add to the entire South African higher education (HE) system.