November 23, 2023

Stimulating thoughts set the stage at SAPHE Conference

The SAPHE Conference, held on 7 November at the IMM Graduate School in Parktown, Johannesburg, provided a valuable platform for thought leadership, academic dialogue, and the exchange of research initiatives. The event fostered lively engagement among attendees, including academics, researchers, and industry stakeholders, all united by their commitment to advancing the landscape of higher education.


Call for collaboration


Setting the tone for the conference, Dr Divya Singh from STADIO, the MC of the SAPHE Conference, quoted Helen Keller: "Alone we can do so little; together we can do so much." She encouraged institutions to embrace a spirit of “co-opetition”, working together despite being competitors, as this would benefit the entire HE system.


This call for collaboration was echoed by keynote speaker and CEO of the Council on Higher Education (CHE), Dr Whitty Green. In his opening address, he advocated for a unified higher education (HE) sector, emphasising that the distinction between public and private institutions should be discarded. He stressed the critical role that all institutions play in the HE landscape and encouraged them to identify their unique strengths and contributions to address the diverse needs of society.


A responsive HE system embedded in society


Dr Green underscored the importance of a responsive higher education system that is embedded within the social fabric. He said HE institutions had to be cognizant of the challenges and opportunities that exist at sectoral, local, and global levels, and to integrate these considerations into their teaching and research endeavours.



He emphasised the need for the HE sector to actively participate in building a democracy and addressing societal challenges at multiple levels. This would require a multidisciplinary approach, moving away from siloed thinking and embracing collaboration.


Equipping graduates to address global and local challenges


He further highlighted the crucial role of HE institutions in preparing graduates who are equipped to tackle global challenges such as climate change, energy concerns, and food and water security, as well as local issues like unemployment and inequality.


Dr Green posed a thought-provoking question to the audience: "What is the role of HE in society? If HE is for the public good, why does the sector not enjoy the support of the public?" He urged the HE system to take collective responsibility to address this disconnect and earn the public's trust.


Championing student-centric and academic-centric HE


Speaking about the role of academics, Dr Green advocated for a student- and academic-centred HE system. He outlined the principles of the National Framework for Enhancing Academics as University Teachers and related action imperatives which include, amongst others, professional development, leadership development, recognition and awards, and knowledge production and sharing about teaching and learning.



He passionately discussed the interconnection between theory and practice in the Scholarship of Teaching and Learning (SOTL), highlighting the importance of scholars of teaching and learning who are willing to confront the ethical, intellectual, and pedagogical challenges of their work.

Research areas in HE


Turning to research, Dr Green expressed the need for research that focuses on the HE space. He identified a range of potential research areas, including disability in the post-school sector, educational supply and demand, and optimal lecturer-student ratios.

In conclusion, Dr Green highlighted the CHE's contributions to the scholarship of HE over the past 25 years and outlined the research themes that the CHE has prioritised.


The SAPHE Conference 2023 served as a catalyst for thought-provoking discussions and a renewed commitment to advancing the quality and impact of higher education in South Africa. 

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.