To understand how much or how little progress is made in democratising higher education, an examination of transformation in the sector needs to be undertaken. Such an examination will reveal best practice, the sharing of which can move the process of transformation forward by inspiring those further beyond in the process. This article serves to fulfil that purpose. It comprises an assessment of equity and diversity in selected higher education institutions in the country that may be regarded as "best practice". The study focussed on the university as an equity employer and thus staff equity is examined. The article reports the South African component of a five-country study undertaken in late 2004. (Contains 2 figures.)