Blog Layout
November 19, 2024

Second SAPHE Conference: A Resounding Success!

The 2nd Annual SAPHE Conference, held on 5–6 November at the IMM Graduate School, exceeded expectations, receiving overwhelmingly positive feedback from attendees. The event was abuzz with activity, high-level discussions, and dynamic conversations centred on higher education (HE), with a particular focus on private higher education Under the theme, Leading innovation in Higher Education (HE), the Conference featured prominent keynote speakers, thought-provoking panel discussions, interactive workshops and insightful research presentations.




Setting the tone



Renowned academic and vibrant speaker, Prof. Sioux McKenna, opened the conference with a keynote address that set the stage for deep reflection on the future of higher education. Her probing questions about the purpose of HE, whose interests it should serve, what makes it good, its short-term goals, and the threats to its long-term future underscored the complexity and multifaceted nature of the topic.


With astuteness and insight, Prof McKenna explored HE from different perspectives before challenging attendees with a powerful final question: What future do you want for HE?


The conversation continued with a panel discussion on Shaping the discourse of a responsive private HE sector. Facilitator Dr Ronel Blom,  and panel members Dr Makhapa Makhafola from SAQA, Dr Gloria Castrillon from UJ and Ms Helen Buhrs, Inscape CEO, discussed the challenges and opportunities facing the sector. 



The role of HE in socio-economic growth



On the second day of the Conference, Dr Lucky Mathebula delivered an inspiring keynote address on The role of HE in socio-economic growth. He emphasised that HE’s essence lies not only in creating a better society but also in showcasing the potential greatness of a country through its graduates. His address left attendees motivated to see HE as a transformative force for societal progress. 


Building on Dr Mathebula’s insights, a panel discussion explored the potential of Inner Development Goals (IDGs) in fostering students’ personal and professional success. Panel members included Dr Radhika Bhuyan (UJ), Namhla Mzuku (UP), and Leigh Johnson, a private consultant. 


Engaging workshops on authentic assessment and leadership skills for academics and institutional leaders, and research presentations ensured ongoing momentum throughout the Conference.




Excellence Awards



A highlight of the Conference was the inaugural SAPHE Excellence Awards, celebrated during a cocktail event. Awards were presented in three categories: Teaching and Learning, Research, and Community Engagement.


Winners:

  • Teaching and Learning: Boston City Campus, with academics Dr Rob Stegmann, Ms Colette Heunes, Prof. Cobus Oosthuizen, and Dr Janet Viljoen taking the trophy for their multi-faceted entry.
  • Research: Dr Tadi Rampai (Posthumous) from The Da Vinci Institute.
  • Community Engagement: Mr John Durr and Mr Earl-Djehuti Erasmus from Tsiba.


Runners-up:

  • Teaching and Learning: 1st runner-up, Ms Annetjie Pretorius (The Independent Institute of Education); 2nd runner-up, Ms Riana Prins and Dr Cecelia Rosa (IMM Graduate School).
  • Research: 1st runner-up, Ms Jaclyn van Rensburg (Red & Yellow Creative School of Business); 2nd runner-up, Dr Rob Stegmann (Boston City Campus).
  • Community Engagement: 1st Runner-Up, Ms. Sarina Till (The Independent Institute of Education); 2nd runner-up, Dr Daud Taranikhe (The Da Vinci Institute).

The conference also provided ample networking opportunities, fostering connections and collaboration among peers.


Acknowledging our partners


The SAPHE Conference would not have been possible without the generous support of sponsors  Cengage, Juta, OpenCoLab, Oxford University Press and Van Schaik and exhibitors Bookt, Emerald, EdgeEducation,  Wisenet and WWIS.  

The Conference Committee extended sincere gratitude to everyone who contributed to the success of this inspiring event.

Fostering collaboration: Deputy Minister Gondwe meets with SAPHE

October 3, 2024
On Monday, 30 September, Deputy Minister of Higher Education and Training, Dr Mimmy Gondwe, met with SAPHE to familiarise herself with the association’s achievements and challenges, and to foster stronger relations between the Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET) and SAPHE. Dr Gondwe has been tasked with overseeing private higher education (PHE) institutions as part of her portfolio. According to SAPHE Chair, Dr Carin Stoltz-Urban, the introductory meeting was conducted in a collegial and positive spirit. "It was clear that the Deputy Minister is well-informed about the department's priorities and eager to cooperate with stakeholders in the private higher education sector, such as SAPHE," noted Dr Stoltz-Urban. Compliance, a significant focus given the recent deregistration of some PHEIs, was one of the key topics addressed. Dr Gondwe emphasised the critical role SAPHE can play in promoting compliance and good governance within the sector. She encouraged SAPHE to establish a resource centre to provide institutions with access to documents, advice and guidance on compliance matters, to compile best-practice guidelines, and offer capacity-building workshops, peer learning opportunities, and networking events for PHEIs. In addition, Dr Gondwe urged SAPHE members to conduct employability studies, specifically on job placement, highlighting the importance of measuring the impact of private higher education on job creation and inclusive socio-economic growth. She invited SAPHE members to an Employment and Investment Summit the department will be hosting in November which will involve key industry stakeholders. Representing SAPHE at the meeting were Dr Carin Stoltz-Urban, SAPHE CEO Nancy-Anne Anderson, and Shirley Ferndale from the IIE, who is also actively involved in the broader higher education sector through the Registrars' Forum, among other initiatives. The SAPHE team took the opportunity to present the association’s role and mandate, while also discussing issues such as disparities in the higher education sector and the policy on institutional types. The constructive meeting set a positive tone for future engagement. "As SAPHE, we are encouraged by the Deputy Minister’s willingness to support the private higher education sector, and we are dedicated to working with the DHET to advance quality higher education overall," said Dr Stoltz-Urban.

SAPHE Conference promises to engage and inspire all

August 29, 2024
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.
A poster for women 's month 2024 celebrating 30 years of democracy towards women 's development

Celebrating remarkable women in leadership

August 8, 2024
August is Women’s Month, and on the 9th, South Africa honours the more than 20 000 women who marched in protest against the extension of Pass Laws to women. As SAPHE, we celebrate the remarkable women who have shaped our country and its history. This month, we also applaud SAPHE women in leadership who champion the transformative power of higher education in their respective institutions. We draw inspiration from SAPHE members Helen Bührs , CEO of Inscape, Prof. Divya Singh , Chief Academic Officer at STADIO, and Isabel Roos , Managing Director of Isa Carstens Academy. Recognising the potential and value of higher education, it has become the shears or tools they wield to shape futures. 
More Posts
Share by: