[intro]Most universities are at the forefront of denouncing social injustices and inequality yet, in 2013 for instance the highest paid chancellor earned an annual salary of R3.2 million. These figures reflect shockingly high salary discrepancies between high earners in these institutions and low earners.[/intro]

Prof Mehita Iqani tackles this bone of contention amongst many in academia with Prof Rasigan Maharaj, the founding Chief Director of the Institute for Economic Research on Innovation (IERI) in the Faculty of Economics and Finance at Tshwane University of Technology (TUT). Maharaj says it is not enough to discuss minimum wage, there should be discussions on what the maximum wage should be in South African Institutions of Higher Education. Together they explore equality, accountability, pay scales and socially engaged scholarship.

The Academic Citizen (TAC) is an independent podcast series that is supported by the Academic Staff Association of Wits University (ASAWU). Established in April 2016, The Academic Citizen explores a diversity of topics and opinions relating to higher education in South Africa, today and into the future. Each episode welcomes a guest for an in-depth discussion of a particular issue relevant to university life today, including transformation in higher education, gender equity and virtual learning to name a few. Researched, edited, scheduled and produced by Simbarashe Honde.

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The Academic Citizen is funded by The Academic Staff Association of Wits University.