June 21, 2024

SAQA and SAPHE: A strong partnership for a thriving higher education sector

SAPHE members had the opportunity to engage with Dr Makhapa Makhafola, SAQA Chief Operating Officer, at its recent member meeting in May. In her welcoming remarks, Dr Carin Stoltz-Urban, Chairperson of SAPHE, highlighted the association’s commitment to fostering positive relationships with the regulators, aiming to create one diverse but united higher education system. The session underscored the value and importance of the partnership between the South African Qualifications Authority and SAPHE.


Dr Makhafola echoed these sentiments, emphasising the shared vision of a fully integrated higher education system where public and private institutions collaborate effectively.


As a passionate advocate for the recognition of prior learning (RPL), Dr Makhafola praised private HEIs for their flexibility and efforts to champion RPL. He acknowledged their role in broadening access and making HE more inclusive.


Looking ahead, Dr Makhafola announced a forthcoming comprehensive review of the National Qualifications Framework (NQF), spearheaded by SAQA. SAPHE will be involved in this crucial process, ensuring the voices and needs of the private HE sector are heard.

Dr Makhafola covered several key issues during the discussion, such as the impending expiration of legacy qualifications, upcoming SAQA stakeholder workshops in the latter half of the year, and the importance of collaboration with SAPHE in combating bogus qualifications and exploring research opportunities.



Thanking Dr Makhafola for the valuable exchange, Dr Stoltz-Urban reiterated SAPHE's commitment to ongoing collaboration with SAQA.

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.