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.

Learning, Growing, Leading

March 11, 2026
The year is only two months old, yet many SAPHE colleagues have already dived into learning experiences they describe as exciting, enriching, eye-opening, and career-boosting. A range of EDTP SETA-funded qualifications and programmes launched in February, diverse in nature but with a shared goal: to upskill and build capacity, supporting SAPHE colleagues both personally and professionally. For those with stamina, formal qualifications such as the Postgraduate Diploma in Higher Education and the Occupational Certificate: Training and Development Practitioner got off to a rigorous start. Others opted for bite-sized learning experiences tailored to specific interests—from Research to Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Training , and from Power BI to Leadership Development . A glimpse at some of the early feedback highlights the impact of these programmes: Research: “We are not just producing dissertations or theses. We are producing knowledge that can move systems.” Power BI: “The practical, hands-on approach enhanced my understanding of Power BI’s features and enabled me to create more insightful dashboards that I use daily to support reporting and decision-making at my institute.” Leadership Development: “My colleagues thoroughly enjoyed the experience and returned with valuable insights. They’re feeling rejuvenated and ready to put their takeaways into practice.” Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging: “It was an incredible programme. I learnt a lot and feel encouraged to incorporate this information into my personal and professional life.” Other programmes, such as Designing with AI , will be offered later in the year, promising even more opportunities to explore emerging fields and cutting-edge skills. Reflecting on these initiatives, SAPHE Chair, Dr Carin Stoltz-Urban, says: "What a wonderful opportunity to provide our members with chances to upskill, grow, and develop. We are grateful to the EDTP SETA for the funding that has unlocked this treasure trove of opportunities."  2026 is off to a strong start, and SAPHE colleagues are embracing every opportunity to learn, innovate, and lead in the higher education sector.

Private Higher Education: Flexible, accredited, and ready for the Matric Class of 2025

January 19, 2026
South Africa celebrates a historic milestone as the Matric Class of 2025 achieves a record 88% pass rate, the highest in the country’s history. SAPHE (South African Private Higher Education Association) congratulates all matriculants on this remarkable achievement, which opens doors to a wide range of higher education opportunities. Approximately 46% of matriculants achieved Bachelor passes, making around 345,000 students eligible to pursue degree studies. While public universities remain a key option offering 235,000 first-year spaces, private higher education institutions (PHEIs) offer an equally robust and accredited pathway for students ready to continue their studies. Flexible Intakes and Learning Options A major advantage of PHEIs is their multiple intakes throughout the year , allowing students to begin their studies at different times of the year. This flexibility ensures that learners can maintain momentum and enrol for higher education qualifications as soon as they are ready. PHEIs also offer flexible learning modes - full-time, part-time, online, or blended - designed to accommodate diverse student needs. Smaller class sizes promote personalised attention , helping students make a smooth transition from school to tertiary education. Curricula are regularly updated to align with industry demands , equipping graduates with the skills employers actively seek. Quality, accreditation, and recognition  All SAPHE member institutions are registered with the Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET) and offer programmes accredited by the Council on Higher Education (CHE) . These qualifications are nationally recognised, ensuring that students receive the same high-quality education as public universities. Registered PHEIs provide full academic legitimacy, and a list of SAPHE members is available on the SAPHE website. Private higher education institutions continue to welcome applications for the 2026 academic year , providing matriculants with immediate access to accredited programmes. PHEIs are a credible, flexible, and high-quality option to consider for students ready to take the next step in their education.

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.