June 23, 2023

Rethinking Higher Education delivery in the post-Covid landscape

The COVID-19 pandemic has had a profound impact on various aspects of society, including education. Education providers were compelled to move to online modes of teaching and learning in 2020. While this was a major challenge it also presented an opportunity to rethink the way we deliver education.


We asked Dr Jan Mentz, Academic Dean at Belgium ITversity,  to share his perspective on the swift transition to online modes of delivery prompted by the Covid lockdown period and to reflect on the factors institutions must consider when deciding on the most suitable delivery mode.   


The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic continues to draw significant research interest, as seen in the multitude of publications available on platforms like Google Scholar. The imperative to stay at home affected every aspect of human life, including social interactions, remote work, and education. Virtually everything transitioned to some form of online mode. In the face of a life-threatening disease, life had to go on, prompting the need for innovative approaches.


Transition to online education


In South Africa, higher education institutions shifted to online delivery for a period of two years (2020-2022) under the guidance of Emergency Remote Teaching concessions. While the impact of this shift is still under investigation, key concerns revolve around access to learning and the use of technology.


Prior to the lockdown, South African institutions were neatly categorized as either face-to-face or distance learning institutions, each with their respective delivery modes. But, the forced move to online education proved to be a game changer, shifting the perception of education accessed through technology.


Throughout the lockdown, education continued in some form or another. Higher education institutions in South Africa responded by providing students with laptops and broadband internet access, although these interventions were often challenging and costly to implement. It is important to acknowledge that the success of online education was likely more prominent in areas with established infrastructures, potentially leaving rural regions at a disadvantage.


On the teaching side, educators were thrust into a new teaching reality, often unfamiliar to them. There is a stark difference between lecturing in person versus conducting virtual classes on platforms like MS Teams. Nevertheless, both in-person and virtual approaches allowed higher education institutions to facilitate student graduation. The initial emergency measures in 2020 paved the way for a more planned and deliberate approach in 2021, with valuable lessons learned and needs becoming clearer.


The way forward


In charting the way forward, we need to consider questions such as: How should we proceed post-Covid? Should we simply revert to pre-COVID methods? What about the infrastructure investments?


Recognising the need to address the implications of the pandemic-induced changes, the Council of Higher Education (CHE) established a task team on blended and online learning to develop guidelines based on the current post-COVID reality. The task team concluded its work in early 2023, and the CHE is currently reviewing the report. While awaiting the conclusion of this process, it is crucial to contemplate the best way forward for both students and institutions.


Firstly, it is imperative to establish clear definitions for the different modes of delivery as the broader educational community lacks consensus on common definitions.


Secondly, it is crucial to consider which delivery mode would best serve South African students, taking into account the cost of education and the unequal distribution of digital infrastructure in the country.


Thirdly, assessing the digital literacy levels of students is essential. Does the ability to use a smartphone equate to competent usage of the internet and basic word processing software?


Lastly, we need to examine the impact of a blended approach, combining online and in-class teaching modes, on institutional costs, staff productivity, and the demands of assessment and curriculum design.



This list of considerations is by no means exhaustive, but clarity in these areas is critical in mapping the way forward.

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.