February 22, 2024

Expert advice for PHEIs

Dr Shaheeda Essack, Director of Private Higher Education Institutions (PHEIs) at the Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET), shared valuable insights at the recent SAPHE member meeting in February. She highlighted key areas for continued success within the sector, which has grown significantly, now enrolling more than 20 per cent of all higher education students.


Dr Essack, a seasoned expert in PHEI management and monitoring, focused on both business and academic operations.


Sound business and academic operations


Dr Essack underscored the importance of robust financial planning, effective systems, competent staff appointments, and the delivery of accredited, quality programmes. She cautioned against misrepresenting qualifications, a pitfall that could lead to deregistration.


Mitigating Risks and Ensuring Compliance


Regarding risk management, Dr Essack stressed the need to understand the PSET sector thoroughly, considering both internal and external factors shaping its past, present, and future. She advised PHEIs to learn from past experiences, identify future trends, and stay informed and compliant with relevant legislation and annual reporting requirements.


Operational efficiency


Dr Essack encouraged clear and transparent operations. She recommended that institutions maintain control over all their academic functions, including marketing and advertising, rather than outsourcing.


Student engagement


She advocated for transparent grievance policies and comprehensive student orientations that clarify procedures and refund policies. Before involving the DHET, students should first engage with the institution to seek an internal resolution.


Dr Essack highlighted the importance of student representation on various levels, as mandated by the CHE. However, she clarified that representation does not equate to governing or managing the institution. She mentioned that student concerns were mainly in two areas, related to the contractual agreement and teaching and learning. Student feedback on teaching and learning was critical and useful for the institution in improving the quality of the learning programmes.


Partnerships and policy


Discussing public/private partnerships, Dr Essack emphasised the need for clarity on what such partnerships involve and a regulatory framework, acknowledging the absence of one currently.


Responding to a query about the Policy for the Recognition of South African Higher Education Institutional Types, she said she anticipates its release for public comment by the end of March, with finalisation expected before the year's end.



In conclusion, Dr Essack commended PHEIs for their remarkable progress, encouraging them to continue their positive trajectory and “to walk the straight path”. Dr Jannie Zaaiman, Chair of the SAPHE Board, thanked Dr Essack for the insights she shared with SAPHE members and affirmed their commitment to good governance and collaboration.

Revisiting the value of assessment

July 22, 2025
The Faranani session on 17 July examined assessment from various perspectives. With just two carefully crafted questions, David Maclean, facilitator and founder of Learning Advisory, created a space for lively conversation and engagement on the real purpose and value of assessment. The first question, What would assessment look like if it served learning rather than sorting?, prompted reflection on the difference between ‘assessment for learning’ and ‘assessment of learning’. Participants explored the role of continuous assessment as a compass that guides learning, rather than a tool for ranking or gatekeeping. The second question, How do we truly know when learning has occurred at the deepest level?, encouraged participants to share personal experiences and teaching practices that reveal meaningful learning beyond surface-level achievement. The session reframed assessment by focusing on its potential to enhance learning and support development, moving beyond its traditional role as a final evaluation tool.  Embodying the spirit of a wisdom circle, the Faranani session offered space for collective reflection, shared insights, and mutual learning.

SAPHE launches research CoP

July 17, 2025
SAPHE’s first Research Community of Practice (CoP) meeting took place on Monday, 30 June, marking an important step toward strengthening research capacity and collaboration within private higher education. As research is a core pillar of higher education, SAPHE members welcomed the opportunity to engage on research-related matters. The first session focused on supporting those who have made submissions for the upcoming SAPHE Conference. A highlight of the session was a presentation on the use of AI in research. From sparking ideas to helping with literature reviews and writing, AI was framed as a powerful research tool, similar to a calculator for a mathematician or a camera for a photographer. But, the message was clear: AI can assist, but the researcher remains the author!  True to the spirit of a Community of Practice, this new SAPHE initiative creates a collaborative space for sharing, questioning, and growing together. We look forward to many more engagements as this CoP evolves.

Strengthening QA through collaboration

By Sibusiso Ngidi • June 17, 2025
The imaginative and metaphorical title of our recent Quality Assurance Community of Practice (QA CoP) meeting, Shared spellbook: Unlocking the magic of collective wisdom, beautifully captured the spirit of the event and the collaborative energy among QA professionals from SAPHE member institutions. Leading the conversation, Dr Franzél du Plooy-Cilliers invited participants to reflect on the unique value that emerges when ideas, knowledge, and experiences are shared. Collaboration in QA doesn’t just foster innovation—it challenges complacency, inspires ongoing improvement, and raises the quality bar across institutions. The ripple effects are powerful: Not only do individual PHEIs benefit from stronger practices, but the entire higher education sector is elevated through shared commitment to quality-assured education. During the session, participants discussed common challenges, such as limited staff engagement in QA processes and the need for integrated workflows that support shared values and a common understanding. Looking ahead, key themes were identified for future QA CoP engagements. Plans are already underway for the next meeting on 14 August, where the community will continue "writing the shared spellbook" - sharing insights and best practices to improve quality. Together, the CoP is shaping a culture of excellence, collaboration, and innovation—one "spell" at a time.