July 19, 2023

Publish and flourish

Publishing in accredited academic journals is a great way to share your research with the wider academic community, validate the quality of your work, and connect with other scholars in your field. Even if you don't receive funding or subsidy for publishing in journals, there are still many other benefits to consider, including the opportunity to build your academic profile. This is according to Dr Brenda van Wyk, Editor in Chief of the Independent Journal of Teaching and Learning (IJTL), an accredited academic journal published by The IIE, one of SAPHE’s member institutions. The IJTL was established 15 years ago, and has been listed on the DHET accredit journal list since 2014.


Sharing more about the IJTL, Dr Van Wyk says the IJTL is an education-focused journal that aims to make a difference for educators at primary, secondary, and tertiary levels. “The journal seeks to be a valuable resource for education practitioners and researchers, providing useful, research-based materials and a scholarly forum for academics and education practitioners to share research on educational practices and teaching and learning across various levels.”


Dr Willy Engelbrecht, the IJTL Associate Editor, elaborates on the following contributions that are considered for publication in the journal:


  • Research-based empirical, reflective or synoptic articles that would be of interest to education practitioners.
  • Review articles that critically examine research carried out in a specific field.
  • Discussion or advocacy papers suitable for publication.
  • Articles for publication in the section entitled Practitioners’ corner.
  • Book reviews that comprise a clear and concise evaluation of recently published books.

While the journal focuses primarily on education as a discipline, it also welcomes articles that explore the application of educational practices in other disciplines.

SAPHE members can direct their inquiries to the following email address: editor@iie.ac.za.

We encourage SAPHE members to take advantage of this opportunity to contribute to the field of education and share their research with the wider academic community.

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.