April 25, 2025

New SAPHE CoP Focuses on Quality Assurance

The launch meeting of SAPHE’s Community of Practice (CoP) for Quality Assurance on 15 April was an explosion of ideas and energy. The value of a dedicated platform for members to engage on quality assurance (QA) matters was immediately evident, as participants enthusiastically identified key topics for discussion, knowledge sharing, and the exchange of best practices.


The vital thread of QA


Quality Assurance is a cornerstone of higher education, underpinning the integrity and effectiveness of academic offerings and institutional operations. From marketing and student recruitment to graduation, the QA thread is tightly woven through every stage of the student journey.


Engaging questions, meaningful conversations


“How do we measure quality, and how do we evidence quality?” These thought-provoking questions, posed by the session facilitator Dr Franzel du Plooy-Cilliers—SAPHE Vice-Chair and responsible for liaison with regulatory bodies—sparked dynamic and insightful discussions. Attendees shared their experiences and explored ways to support one another in preparing for institutional audits, benchmarking across institutions, and embedding quality throughout institutional processes.


Looking ahead



The conversation has laid the foundation for what promises to be a series of meaningful engagements as the CoP continues to grow and evolve. 

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.