June 26, 2023

Faranani session ignites robust discussion on RPL

Lively discussion and active engagement marked SAPHE's recent Faranani session, held on 15 June 2023. The topic under scrutiny, recognition of prior learning (RPL), proved to be a pressing matter both for regulatory bodies and higher education institutions.

The session was chaired by Dr Carin Stoltz-Urban, SAPHE Board member for Capacity Building, with special guest speaker  Dr Makhapa Makhafola, Director at the Council on Higher Education (CHE). Dr Makhafola shared the CHE's latest insights on RPL, drawing from recent discussions with higher education institutions. While there was consensus on the importance and purpose of RPL as a means to promote access to higher education, particularly for previously disadvantaged individuals, the lack of progress since 1994 was disheartening. "We are not getting it right as a sector," remarked Dr. Makhafola. "We must ask ourselves, what are we doing as a country to promote access with success?"


The Faranani session served as an ideal platform for a productive conversation on RPL, focusing particularly on aspects that should be revisited during the revision of the current RPL policy. One key issue with the existing policy was the rule limiting RPL admissions to no more than 10% of a programme's student cohort.  This aspect of the policy is likely to change to achieve the intended purpose of RPL, which is to broaden access.


Clarity on assessment requirements for prior learning and clear guidelines for RPL policy implementation were among the areas calling for greater attention. Dr Makhafola said the CHE's would like to invite guidance from higher education institutions on RPL, as well as on related matters such as credit transfers and articulation. He also emphasised the need for better alignment between CHE and SAQA policies, acknowledging that current alignment was lacking.


From the discussions, it became evident that agility and flexibility, both in assessment practices and curriculum design, are essential prerequisites for RPL to effectively support transformation and fulfil its intended purpose of expanding access with success.

Despite the challenges faced in RPL implementation, success stories emerged during the session as attendees shared the educational journeys of RPL students. Dr. Stoltz-Urban invited SAPHE members to collaborate on a paper highlighting RPL success stories for the upcoming SAPHE conference in November of this year.



The RPL Faranani session truly embodied its namesake, "working together," as Dr Makhafola and the attendees exchanged ideas and thoughts on how to reinvigorate RPL and unlock its potential to transform lives.

Dr Carin Stoltz-Urban and Dr Makhapa Makhafola

SAPHE Conference provided a space for advancing excellence

December 3, 2025
A peek into the future or a glimpse into a novel research project; a celebration of academic excellence or connecting with colleagues – the 3rd SAPHE Conference, held on 5 and 6 November at the IMM Graduate School in Parktown, Johannesburg, was a vibrant Rubik’s cube of colour, choice, and possibilities. Under the theme Leading Innovation in Higher Education: Impacting Locally and Globally , the Conference served as a dynamic platform to explore, reflect on, and challenge thinking about innovation in the sector. Setting the tone with probing questions and scenarios were keynote speakers Mahlubi Chief Mabizela (USAf Director: Operations and Sector Support) and Edward Kieswetter (SARS Commissioner), delivering thought-provoking addresses on their respective days. Following them, two engaging panel discussions – one on the future of private higher education, facilitated by Africa Melane, and the other on the opportunities and challenges of Artificial Intelligence, led by Professor Ben Anderson – sparked lively debates and inspired delegates. The Conference also provided a space to showcase and promote research, with presentations across a range of themes. Delegates participated in two workshops: AI as Research Ally and Quality as Intellectual Curiosity: Rethinking Quality Assurance in Higher Education. Together with the SAPHE Excellence Awards, which celebrate academic excellence in private higher education across Teaching, Learning and Assessment, Research and Innovation, and Community Engagement, the event highlighted innovation, scholarship, and achievement in the sector. SAPHE is grateful to its gold sponsors – Cengage, Opencollab, and Juta – and silver sponsors – Oxford University Press, Van Schaik, and EBSCO – for their generous support, which helped make the Conference possible.  The 3rd SAPHE Conference was not just an event but an experience – a space where ideas, innovation, and collaboration came together to shape the future of private higher education in South Africa.

Strengthening collaboration with the DHET

November 28, 2025
On 21 November 2025, a SAPHE delegation met with the Minister of Higher Education and Training, Mr Buti Manamela, to discuss the role of private higher education institutions (PHEIs) in shaping South Africa’s Post-School Education and Training (PSET) system. Representing SAPHE were Edward Kieswetter, Prof Divya Singh, Prof Ahmed Shaikh, Dr Linda Meyer, and Nancy-Anne Anderson. Minister Manamela acknowledged the important contribution of PHEIs, which account for nearly 30% of higher education enrolments in South Africa. He emphasised the value of their participation in shaping policy, determining the “size and shape” of the system, and strengthening national capacity. The meeting focused on several priority areas, including legislation, articulation pathways, building trust in the system, and industry engagement. Both SAPHE and the Minister highlighted the importance of continued collaboration to ensure a more coherent, inclusive, and responsive higher education sector.  The shared commitment demonstrated during the meeting provides a strong foundation for an ongoing partnership between SAPHE and the DHET, reinforcing the role of private higher education in shaping South Africa’s PSET landscape.

Excitement builds ahead of the 3rd SAPHE Conference

November 4, 2025
With a week to go before the 3rd SAPHE Conference on 5 and 6 November at the IMM Graduate School in Parktown, Johannesburg, anticipation is running high. Under the theme “Leading Innovation in Higher Education: Impacting Locally and Globally,” the Conference will serve as a dynamic platform to explore, reflect on, and challenge thinking about innovation in the sector. Well-known speakers Mahlubi Chief Mabizela (USAf Director: Operations and Sector Support) and Edward Kieswetter (SARS Commissioner) will set the tone, delivering the keynote addresses on the respective days. Taking the baton from them, two panel discussions – one on the future of private higher education, facilitated by Africa Melane, and the other on Artificial Intelligence, led by Professor Ben Anderson – are sure to engage and inspire delegates. As a space to showcase and promote research, the Conference will also feature presentations across a range of themes, complemented by two hands-on workshops: AI as Research Ally and Quality as Intellectual Curiosity: Rethinking Quality Assurance in Higher Education. Together with the SAPHE Excellence Awards, the event promises to challenge conventional thinking, inspire innovation, and celebrate academic excellence in private higher education. SAPHE is grateful to its gold sponsors – Cengage, Opencollab, and Juta – and silver sponsors – Oxford University Press, Van Schaik, and EBSCO – for their generous support.  With its rich mix of thought leadership, research, and collaboration, the 2025 SAPHE Conference promises to challenge convention, inspire new ideas, and celebrate the spirit of innovation in private higher education.