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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Together, we reach further

October 30, 2026
“If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go together.” — African proverb The proverb speaks to the value of collaboration and shared purpose. SAPHE’s sponsors for its 2026 Conference, Private Higher Education: Academic Excellence in an Evolving Society, represent a range of organisations whose expertise and services contribute to the higher education ecosystem

SAPHE Conference 2026: Private Higher Education in an Evolving Society

October 27, 2026
Time and tide wait for no one. The same is true of higher education. For private higher education to contribute meaningfully to society, it must keep pace with changing needs and respond to the demands of an evolving world. The SAPHE Conference 2026 will explore this under the theme Private Higher Education: Academic Excellence in an Evolving Society, taking place on 11 and 12 November 2026 at IMM Graduate School, Parktown . The two-day programme will bring together colleagues from across the higher education sector to explore its future direction, consider emerging challenges and opportunities, exchange ideas and celebrate excellence. Day 1 | 11 November The Conference opens with a keynote address by Prof Ahmed Bawa of the Johannesburg Business School, University of Johannesburg, titled Private Higher Education, Being Higher Education. This will be followed by a CEO/Owner panel discussion, What Kind of Private Higher Education Sector Do We Want to Be?, exploring the future direction, role and aspirations of private higher education in South Africa. Day 2 | 12 November Prof Stephanie Burton of the University of Pretoria will deliver a keynote address titled The Role of Higher Education Institutions in Developing Talent for This Changing World. Delegates will also participate in an interactive Institutional AI Decision-Making Lab , providing an opportunity to exchange perspectives and consider how private higher education institutions can approach AI adoption and implementation. The programme also includes a dedicated workshop on the Higher Education Qualifications Sub-Framework (HEQSF), presentations on a range of relevant topics, and opportunities to engage with colleagues from across the sector. A highlight of the Conference will be the SAPHE Excellence Awards Cocktail , celebrating the outstanding achievements and contributions of individuals and institutions in private higher education. Thank you to our sponsors SAPHE gratefully acknowledges the generous support of our sponsors, whose contributions help make the Conference possible. Gold Sponsor OpenCollab Silver Sponsors Clarivate EBSCO South Africa Bronze Sponsors Juta Ontech Solutions Oxford University Press Southern Africa  We would also like to thank IMM Graduate School for generously providing the conference venue at no charge. Be part of the conversation shaping the future of private higher education in South Africa. We look forward to welcoming delegates for two days of engagement, knowledge-sharing and celebration as we consider the role of private higher education in an evolving society.

SAPHE Conference 2026: Exploring the future of higher education

October 12, 2026
With the SAPHE Conference fast approaching, SAPHE looks forward to welcoming delegates on 11-12 November 2026 at the IMM Graduate School in Parktown, Johannesburg. Held under the theme Private Higher Education: Academic Excellence in an Evolving Society, the Conference will feature engaging, interactive sessions and opportunities for discussion and exchange. Two distinguished keynote speakers, Prof Ahmed Bawa and Prof Stephanie Burton , will share their perspectives on the nature and purpose of higher education and its role in a rapidly changing world.