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.

Private Higher Education: Flexible, accredited, and ready for the Matric Class of 2025

January 19, 2026
South Africa celebrates a historic milestone as the Matric Class of 2025 achieves a record 88% pass rate, the highest in the country’s history. SAPHE (South African Private Higher Education Association) congratulates all matriculants on this remarkable achievement, which opens doors to a wide range of higher education opportunities. Approximately 46% of matriculants achieved Bachelor passes, making around 345,000 students eligible to pursue degree studies. While public universities remain a key option offering 235,000 first-year spaces, private higher education institutions (PHEIs) offer an equally robust and accredited pathway for students ready to continue their studies. Flexible Intakes and Learning Options A major advantage of PHEIs is their multiple intakes throughout the year , allowing students to begin their studies at different times of the year. This flexibility ensures that learners can maintain momentum and enrol for higher education qualifications as soon as they are ready. PHEIs also offer flexible learning modes - full-time, part-time, online, or blended - designed to accommodate diverse student needs. Smaller class sizes promote personalised attention , helping students make a smooth transition from school to tertiary education. Curricula are regularly updated to align with industry demands , equipping graduates with the skills employers actively seek. Quality, accreditation, and recognition  All SAPHE member institutions are registered with the Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET) and offer programmes accredited by the Council on Higher Education (CHE) . These qualifications are nationally recognised, ensuring that students receive the same high-quality education as public universities. Registered PHEIs provide full academic legitimacy, and a list of SAPHE members is available on the SAPHE website. Private higher education institutions continue to welcome applications for the 2026 academic year , providing matriculants with immediate access to accredited programmes. PHEIs are a credible, flexible, and high-quality option to consider for students ready to take the next step in their education.

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.