January 19, 2024

Milestones spur momentum

2023 was a year of remarkable progress for SAPHE, marked by numerous impactful milestones and achievements. SAPHE Chairperson, Dr Jannie Zaaiman, says that guided by a shared vision for private higher education, SAPHE members collaborated effectively to advance not only the interests of PHEIs but also the broader landscape of higher education.


“This included championing rigorous quality assurance, engaging in constructive dialogue with key regulatory bodies like the Council on Higher Education (CHE), the Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET) and the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA), fostering valuable capacity-building activities for our members, and hosting a successful SAPHE conference, showcasing research projects undertaken by PHEIs”, says Dr Zaaiman.


Globally, 2023 was a year of significant shifts, with Artificial Intelligence (AI) taking centre stage. Recognising its transformative potential, SAPHE established an AI task team to guide members in harnessing its potential responsibly.


Closer to home, South Africa's higher education sector faces unique hurdles. The ever-growing demand for quality education is hampered by limited access and insufficient student funding. Additionally, there's concern that graduates lack the skills needed for the evolving job market.


Dr Zaaiman emphasises that PHEIs, recognised for their flexibility and accessibility, are well-positioned to address these challenges and play a crucial role in shaping South African higher education. "Our members are committed to delivering high-quality education that caters to diverse needs and backgrounds, adhering to the highest standards," he affirms.



“As we step into 2024, SAPHE is looking forward to embracing its opportunities and tackling its challenges together. We will continue to support our members and believe that through collaboration, our institutions can draw on each other's strengths to unlock the full potential of private higher education in South Africa," says Dr Zaaiman. "Together, let's rewrite the narrative of South African higher education. Join us on this exciting journey!"

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.