July 31, 2023

Aros inaugurates New Principal

The inauguration of Prof Kobus Mentz as the new CEO of Aros on 20th July 2023 was a celebratory event, marking a new era in the institution's journey.


The event was attended by several key figures in Higher Education and renowned academics, including Prof Gerrit Smit of the AP Akademie, Ms Liana van Rooy, registrar at Akademia, Dr Daan Potgieter, CEO at AON, Dr Jaco Deacon, CEO at FEDSAS, Dr Louis Swanepoel, president of SAOU, and Mr Chris Klopper, outgoing CEO of SAOU.


Prof Mentz is an exceptional educator with a long and illustrious career in the field. For over 30 years, he has been involved in education and the development of teaching/learning materials at various levels and capacities at former Potchefstroom University for Christian Higher Education (PU for CHE) and North-West University (NWU).


As a seasoned researcher, Prof Mentz has published more than 30 articles in accredited scholarly journals, supervised numerous master's and doctoral students, delivered 35 papers at national and international conferences, and has been invited as a guest speaker at conferences in Canada and China. He has also received an award for excellence in teaching from the NWU.


Throughout his career, Prof Mentz has held various management and leadership positions. Most recently, at the end of May 2023, he stepped down as the director of the School of Professional Studies in Education at NWU.



Earlier this year, Aros launched its new campus in Montana Park, Pretoria, and the Aros community expressed their excitement to welcome Prof Mentz as CEO to their new home.

City skyline

Prof Kobus Mentz

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Birthday Sparks

Chantal Snyman, Aros registrar, and  Prof Kobus Mentz, Aros CEO

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Fashion Magazine

Prof Paul Kruger, Chair of the Aros Council, congralutates Prof Kobus Mentz on his new position 

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Blurred Lines

The newly launched Aros campus in Montana Park, Pretoria

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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.