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!"

New SAPHE CoP Focuses on Quality Assurance

April 25, 2025
The launch meeting of SAPHE’s Community of Practice (CoP) for Quality Assurance on 15 April was an explosion of ideas and energy. The value of a dedicated platform for members to engage on quality assurance (QA) matters was immediately evident, as participants enthusiastically identified key topics for discussion, knowledge sharing, and the exchange of best practices. The vital thread of QA Quality Assurance is a cornerstone of higher education, underpinning the integrity and effectiveness of academic offerings and institutional operations. From marketing and student recruitment to graduation, the QA thread is tightly woven through every stage of the student journey. Engaging questions, meaningful conversations “How do we measure quality, and how do we evidence quality?” These thought-provoking questions, posed by the session facilitator Dr Franzel du Plooy-Cilliers—SAPHE Vice-Chair and responsible for liaison with regulatory bodies—sparked dynamic and insightful discussions. Attendees shared their experiences and explored ways to support one another in preparing for institutional audits, benchmarking across institutions, and embedding quality throughout institutional processes. Looking ahead  The conversation has laid the foundation for what promises to be a series of meaningful engagements as the CoP continues to grow and evolve.

Community engagement in higher education: From conversation to action

April 15, 2025
Often seen as the “stepchild” of higher education, community engagement (CE) took centre stage during SAPHE’s Faranani session held on 10 April.

Excellence in action: SAPHE Faranani session inspires!

March 25, 2025
Faranani means "working together," and that’s exactly what SAPHE’s Faranani session on 20 March was all about! The session started with a brief discussion on the 2025 SAPHE Excellence Awards categories and evaluation criteria. This was followed by an inspiring presentation from TSIBA, the 2024 winner of the Excellence Award for Community Engagement. TSIBA didn’t just showcase what a winning entry looks like—they demonstrated what education with real social impact truly means.  TSIBA’s John Durr and Earl-Djehuti Erasmus took attendees through their Social Entrepreneurship and Leadership Development experiential learning programmes. Designed to drive social, economic, and educational impact, these programmes highlight the transformative power of education. By providing meaningful, applied learning experiences, these programmes empower students while making a tangible difference in the communities they come from or will serve in the future. The results? Well-rounded graduates, thriving start-ups, and a ripple effect of positive change. Kudos to TSIBA! The Faranani session illustrated the power of collaboration, offering SAPHE members valuable insights from TSIBA’s award-winning approach. Together, we continue to shape a sector that makes a real difference through education!
More Posts