June 23, 2023

Nurturing quality: A fresh perspective on quality assurance

The South African Private Higher Education (SAPHE) association, in collaboration with the Association for Private Providers of Education, Training and Development (APPETD), recently co-hosted the second workshop on behalf of the Council of Higher Education (CHE) to discuss the implementation of the new Quality Assurance Framework (QAF) in Cape Town on 11 May 2023.


"It was an engaging and valuable workshop from which we all have greatly benefited," says Dr Jannie Zaaiman, Chairperson of SAPHE. "The event not only provided valuable guidance on the QAF but also fostered engagement and collaboration among Private Higher Education Institutions (PHEIs)."


Feedback from SAPHE members who participated in the workshop reinforced the value it brought in clarifying the new QAF. This framework signifies a fresh approach to quality assurance, with institutions embracing increased responsibility and accountability for the quality of their educational offerings.


Dr Rob Stegman of Boston City Campus highlighted a key takeaway from the workshop: the importance of thoughtful and reflexive practices in accounting for and describing internal quality assurance systems. "The workshop also framed the importance of the higher education practice standards as a reflexive guide for thinking about quality in higher education. I believe the QAF represents a significant moment in South Africa's story of higher education. Its use of a generative and reflexive methodology—a unique feature compared to international examples—will transform how we think about quality and move us beyond compliance towards a thoughtful, inquiring, and contextually relevant application in South Africa."


Dr Peter Ayuk, Executive Dean: TSHIBA, said the workshop helped ensure a shared understanding of the principles, implications, and expectations of the QAF. He believed that implementing the QAF would streamline quality assurance processes, leading to faster turnaround times. Ayuk also highlighted the positive impact the QAF could have on the quality of higher education, encouraging greater initiative, responsibility, and engagement at the institutional level. "It signifies a shift toward greater self-regulation and the cultivation of a mature quality assurance ecosystem," he said.


Ayuk emphasised the importance of greater collaboration among peers and the promotion and sharing of QA scholarship. He found it encouraging to hear sentiments around more collaboration and less competition - "a willingness to work together for the common good."

According to Dr Dave Naidoo, Registrar at Eduvos, PHEIs play a pivotal role in higher education that should not be underestimated. "The role of PHEIs has become significantly more important over the years, considering the huge demand for higher education versus the limited capacity of public institutions. The close engagement between academic staff, administrators, management, and students at private institutions fosters a sense of service, support, and success."


 Naidoo highlighted that private institutions consistently benchmark the quality of their offerings against renowned academic institutions and industry partners to ensure competitiveness, relevance, and the highest standards. He emphasised the importance of benchmarking and review as vital aspects of quality assurance. "In this regard, I see a cross-pollination of best practices across private and public institutions. PHEIs can offer valuable insights into the quality standards within the framework."


Naidoo proposed a themed approach that unpacks elements of the standards for discussion and input by each PHEI, ensuring continued consultation and collaboration with stakeholders in the development and implementation of the QAF.



Workshop participants unanimously agreed on the need for similar engagements and the importance of responding to the CHE with a unified voice representing private higher education.


Considering the significant work being done by the CHE and the Communities of Practice (CoPs) in South Africa, which involve colleagues from both public and private higher education institutions, SAPHE calls on all member institutions to actively participate in this process. You can either directly engage with Dr Zawada and her team (Baloyi.M@che.ac.za) at the CHE or forward suggestions to SAPHE (management@saphe.ac.za), who will liaise with her team.

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.