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August 29, 2024

SAPHE Conference promises to engage and inspire all

Private higher education institutions have long been at the forefront of innovation and progress. The 2nd SAPHE Conference, themed Innovation in Higher Education: The Role of the Private Education Sector, is set to provide the perfect platform for experts and colleagues to reflect, share, and explore the topic.


Scheduled for 5-6 November at the IMM Graduate School in Parktown, Johannesburg, the conference programme promises to cater to various interests. Attendees can look forward to a lineup of high-profile guest speakers, engaging panel discussions, insightful presentations, workshops, and an awards cocktail event.


A lineup of sterling speakers and stimulating discussions


Keynote addresses by Sioux McKenna, Professor in Higher Education Studies at Rhodes University,  and Dr Lucky Mathebula, widely recognised for his strategic thinking and policy expertise, will set the stage for thought-provoking and lively discussions on the future of African universities and the role of higher education in fostering sustainable socio-economic growth.

The conference will also feature panel discussions on critical topics, including one on Shaping the discourse of a responsive Private Higher Education (PHE) sector and another on the integration of the Inner Development Goals (IDGs) as a complement to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) within the higher education context. These discussions aim to engage participants in meaningful and impactful dialogues.


Presentations on diverse topics



Under the overarching theme of innovation in Higher Education, presentations will cover diverse topics, including cutting-edge approaches to teaching and learning, fit-for-purpose quality assurance, technology-driven solutions for Higher Education, and the evolving student experience and community engagement.

The conference agenda will be comprised of workshops, exhibitions, and numerous networking opportunities.

Registration for the conference opens in September, with SAPHE members enjoying discounted rates. For more information, please visit the SAPHE Conference website.

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!

First SAPHE Community of Practice Launched!

February 21, 2025
“Let’s work together, share, and learn from one another!”—This spirit of collaboration set the tone for the launch of SAPHE’s first Community of Practice (CoP) on 12 February. Dedicated to professionals in Library and Information Services (LIS) at SAPHE member institutions, the CoP kicked off with an engaging event attended by around 60 participants. When the idea of establishing CoPs was discussed at the SAPHE member meeting, it was no surprise that LIS staff led the way. Their dynamic and interactive workshop in 2024 laid the groundwork for what is now a formal platform for discussions, knowledge-sharing, workshops, and collective problem-solving. The LIS CoP will be led by Lianda Coetzer (Akademia), supported by team members Irvine Kadzenga (The IIE), Michelle Coates (IMM Graduate School), Unathi Solora (The IIE), and Nqobile Ndlovu (Cornerstone).  We look forward to the impact this CoP will have in fostering collaboration and innovation in LIS!

Celebrating the success of the matric class of 2024

January 22, 2025
The Association for South African Private Higher Education (SAPHE) proudly congratulates the matric class of 2024 on achieving a remarkable 87.3% pass rate, the highest ever recorded. This accomplishment includes an impressive 47.8% Bachelor’s pass rate, opening pathways for 337 158 matriculants to pursue Bachelor studies. As they begin an exciting new chapter, SAPHE invites them to consider the diverse opportunities within South Africa’s private higher education sector. Exploring private higher education Why choose private higher education? Private higher education institutions (PHEIs) offer a range of compelling advantages: Responsive and relevant: PHEIs are renowned for their responsiveness to market demands, ensuring that graduates possess the skills and knowledge most employers seek. Flexible learning options: Whether students prefer part-time, full-time, contact, online, or blended learning formats, PHEIs provide flexible options to accommodate individual circumstances. Tailored education: From large multidisciplinary institutions to niche providers specialising in fields like business, IT, creative design, and more, PHEIs cater to a wide range of interests and career goals. Affordability: Contrary to popular belief, PHEIs offer many cost-sensitive programme options, making quality education accessible to a broader student base. Personalised learning: Smaller class sizes at many PHEIs foster a more personal and engaged learning environment, facilitating a smoother transition from school to tertiary education.  Quality Assurance and Accreditation All PHEIs registered with the Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET) and offering programmes accredited by the Council on Higher Education (CHE) adhere to rigorous quality standards comparable to those of public universities. These qualifications are nationally recognised and valued. Nancy-Anne Anderson, CEO of SAPHE, emphasises that SAPHE members are all registered with the DHET and deliver education that meets national standards. Students and parents can find a list of SAPHE member institutions on the SAPHE website, while a comprehensive directory of registered PHEIs is available on the DHET website. Strengthening South Africa’s Higher Education Sector Dr Carin Stoltz-Urban, Chairperson of the SAPHE Board, highlights the vital role PHEIs play in bolstering South Africa’s higher education landscape. “Together with public universities, PHEIs contribute to the development of a skilled workforce that drives the country’s socio-economic progress,” she explains. Apply now for 2025 The private higher education sector continues to welcome applications for the 2025 academic year. Many PHEIs still have spaces available across various disciplines, providing an excellent opportunity for students eager to begin their studies without delay.
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