October 24, 2023

SAPHE Conference sets the scene for valuable engagement

Academics, researchers, and higher education stakeholders from far and wide will gather at the IMM Graduate School on 7 November 2023 to deliberate on "Education with Impact," the topical theme of the SAPHE Conference.


Education with impact: A necessity, not a choice


"Education with impact is not a choice, it is a necessity," says Dr Jannie Zaaiman, SAPHE Chairperson and Conference Programme Committee Chairperson. "It is essential for preparing individuals to thrive in a dynamic, interconnected world, address pressing global issues, and contribute to a more equitable, sustainable, and prosperous future."


The SAPHE conference aims to showcase the positive impact SAPHE member institutions have been making through their research-driven activities. The topics covered in the sessions at this conference reflect the diversity and dynamism of the private higher education sector in South Africa.


From teaching and learning strategies for Deaf students to the impact of assessment strategy changes on student performance, to the role of online learning platforms in expanding access to higher education, speakers will be sharing their expertise on a wide range of important issues at the Conference.


A rigorous and non-biased review process


The Scientific Committee had a challenging task at hand. Over 50 papers were submitted, and it was their responsibility to select the top 14 presentations that could be accommodated within the one-day Conference programme schedule.


Dr Willy Engelbrecht, Chairperson of the Scientific Committee and Dean of Research and Postgraduate Studies at The Independent Institute of Education, says a stringent double-blind peer review process was followed to ensure a rigorous and non-biased evaluation of academic work.


A unique conference with a focus on private higher education


Prof Paul Singh, Member of the Scientific Committee and Head of Postgraduate Programmes at the DaVinci Business School for Leadership, believes that what sets the SAPHE Conference apart is its focus on private higher education. The research of faculty and postgraduate students from Private Higher Education Institutions (PHEIs) is prominently featured, providing evidence of the quality and outputs of research from this sector.



Benefits of attending


Prof Kiveshnie Naidoo, Director: Academic Delivery, Graduation and Academic Services at MANCOSA and a member of the Scientific Committee, underscores the manifold benefits of attending such a conference.


She highlights that the topic selection offers an opportunity for engaging in academic dialogues, and debates, and gaining insights into best practices that can assist academic leaders in navigating these challenging times. Engaging with a diverse group of participants broadens one's perspective and understanding of global education challenges. Furthermore, the conference can inspire fresh ideas and innovative approaches to higher education and lead to constructive feedback and valuable insights from peers. It also offers an excellent way to stay informed about policy changes, educational technology advancements, and other factors that may impact one's work and role in higher education.


Dr Engelbrecht also emphasises the networking opportunities the conference affords, enabling academics to engage with peers from other institutions to advance the research agenda within the PHEI sector and foster communities of practice.


Expectations and aspirations


Asked about his expectations and aspirations for this year's conference, Prof. Singh says he expects to meet and interact with researchers, thought leaders, and others who may have different views on the topics included in the programme. Furthermore, he believes the Conference has the potential to ignite an interest in doing research and publishing their work among attendees.


"It will assist in raising the quality of our research among member institutions," says Prof Singh. "It will also provide potential supervisors and external examiners an insight into the research areas, standard of research, and opportunities to collaborate with others from different institutions."


A platform for engagement


The SAPHE Conference will provide a platform for academics, both experienced and novice, to share their research within the PHEIs and their contributions towards the sector and its stakeholders, says Dr Engelbrecht. He concluded with the positive view that the event will nurture an environment conducive to establishing further research collaborations across PHEIs, thus advancing the vision of advancing the private higher education sector's role in higher education.

Leading SAPHE into a new era of opportunity

June 11, 2026
Private higher education in South Africa has experienced remarkable growth over the past decade. As demand for access, flexibility, innovation, and work-ready graduates continues to increase, private higher education institutions are playing an increasingly important role in the country’s higher education landscape. Reflecting this growth, the South African Private Higher Education Association (SAPHE) has become an influential representative voice for the sector. Through advocacy, collaboration, knowledge-sharing, and engagement, SAPHE continues to promote the contribution of private higher education to national development while supporting quality, innovation, and institutional excellence. A new phase of growth and influence As SAPHE enters a new phase of growth and influence, Dr Franzél du Plooy-Cilliers has assumed the role of Chairperson, succeeding Dr Carin Stoltz-Urban, whose leadership over the past two years has made a significant contribution to both SAPHE and the broader private higher education sector. During her tenure, Dr Stoltz-Urban championed several initiatives that strengthened SAPHE’s role as a representative body and deepened collaboration among member institutions. Initially serving as a Board member responsible for the Capacity-development portfolio, and later as Chairperson while continuing to lead this portfolio, she introduced the Faranani discussion sessions, oversaw the establishment of active Communities of Practice, and initiated the annual SAPHE Excellence Awards. Among the most significant recent achievements under her leadership is the sector-wide capacity development project sponsored by the ETDP SETA. The project supported the professional development of staff across the private higher education sector and showed how collaboration can strengthen institutional capacity and quality. In reflecting on her appointment, Du Plooy-Cilliers emphasises that the role is ultimately one of service to a sector that changes lives through education. “Education remains one of the most powerful forces for individual and societal transformation. Every student who gains access to quality higher education has the potential to change not only their own future, but also the future of their family, community, and our country. I feel fortunate to be able to contribute to such an important cause at a time of significant opportunity for the sector, and I look forward to working alongside our members and stakeholders to advance opportunities that enable more South Africans to learn, grow, and realise their dreams and potential.” Collective effort and shared commitment While leadership transitions provide an opportunity to reflect on the future, Du Plooy-Cilliers emphasises that SAPHE’s achievements have always been the result of collective effort and shared commitment. “I am fortunate to be supported by an experienced and dedicated Board, an effective SAPHE management team, and member institutions that willingly contribute their expertise, time, and energy in support of the sector. The progress we have made as an association is the result of a shared commitment to strengthening private higher education and the opportunities it creates for students.” A forward-looking agenda Looking ahead, Du Plooy-Cilliers believes SAPHE has an important role to play in helping shape a more integrated and responsive higher education system. “My vision for SAPHE is to strengthen its position as a trusted and respected voice for private higher education, while continuing to build meaningful relationships across the broader higher education community. Private higher education institutions are making a real difference in the lives of students by expanding access, developing skills, supporting innovation, and creating opportunities that might otherwise not exist. As a sector, we have much to contribute, and I believe our contribution will become even more important in the years ahead.” A key priority for her term will be positioning private higher education within a changing policy environment and promoting parity of esteem across the sector. She also sees opportunities to strengthen articulation and lifelong learning pathways, deepen cooperation across institutions, and support innovation in teaching, learning, and assessment. At the same time, SAPHE will continue to support its members through advocacy, engagement, research, knowledge-sharing, and capacity development. These priorities are particularly important as institutions respond to technological change, artificial intelligence, micro-credentials, and evolving workforce needs. Building trust in private higher education Central to this vision is strengthening confidence in private higher education. “SAPHE’s role is not only to represent the sector, but also to strengthen confidence in it. We do this by promoting quality, ethical practice, compliance, transparency, and collective responsibility. By building trust, we strengthen the contribution that private higher education can make to South Africa’s educational, social, and economic development.” The future of SAPHE will be shaped not by any one individual, but by the collective efforts of its Board, management team, and member institutions. Together, they will continue to support institutional excellence, encourage innovation, and contribute to a higher education system that serves both people and society more effectively. “Ultimately, I want SAPHE to be recognised not only as the representative body for private higher education, but as a constructive partner in building a stronger higher education system for South Africa - one that expands opportunity, develops the skills our country needs, and helps more students realise their potential.”  Du Plooy-Cilliers’s vision is clear: a thriving, innovative, and respected private higher education sector that works with purpose, integrity, and collaboration to expand opportunity, strengthen quality, and contribute meaningfully to South Africa’s future.

Conversations on quality in Higher Education

May 13, 2026
A holistic understanding of quality across multiple dimensions of higher education has been central to SAPHE’s recent engagement series on the Higher Education Practice Standards (HEPS), facilitated by Dr Carin Stoltz-Urban, SAPHE Chairperson and Capacity-Building Lead. As the Council on Higher Education (CHE) develops the HEPS as part of the new Quality Assurance Framework (QAF), the sector is entering a critical phase in shaping how quality is defined, interpreted, and implemented by individual institutions across the higher education landscape. These standards will play a significant role in guiding institutional practice and strengthening approaches to quality and performance. During the first series of engagements, SAPHE colleagues reflected on key areas of institutional practice, including identity, leadership, governance, and the systems that support programme design, approval, and review. Attention was also given to learning, teaching and assessment, learning environments, and continuous professional learning. Across these discussions, a consistent thread emerged: a strong commitment to academic excellence, meaningful engagement, and continuous improvement at institutional level. The series continues throughout May, with upcoming sessions turning to experiential learning, engaged institutions, supervision and assessment of research, student transitions, data value chains, and student administration.

Learning, Growing, Leading

March 11, 2026
The year is only two months old, yet many SAPHE colleagues have already dived into learning experiences they describe as exciting, enriching, eye-opening, and career-boosting. A range of EDTP SETA-funded qualifications and programmes launched in February, diverse in nature but with a shared goal: to upskill and build capacity, supporting SAPHE colleagues both personally and professionally. For those with stamina, formal qualifications such as the Postgraduate Diploma in Higher Education and the Occupational Certificate: Training and Development Practitioner got off to a rigorous start. Others opted for bite-sized learning experiences tailored to specific interests—from Research to Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Training , and from Power BI to Leadership Development . A glimpse at some of the early feedback highlights the impact of these programmes: Research: “We are not just producing dissertations or theses. We are producing knowledge that can move systems.” Power BI: “The practical, hands-on approach enhanced my understanding of Power BI’s features and enabled me to create more insightful dashboards that I use daily to support reporting and decision-making at my institute.” Leadership Development: “My colleagues thoroughly enjoyed the experience and returned with valuable insights. They’re feeling rejuvenated and ready to put their takeaways into practice.” Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging: “It was an incredible programme. I learnt a lot and feel encouraged to incorporate this information into my personal and professional life.” Other programmes, such as Designing with AI , will be offered later in the year, promising even more opportunities to explore emerging fields and cutting-edge skills. Reflecting on these initiatives, SAPHE Chair, Dr Carin Stoltz-Urban, says: "What a wonderful opportunity to provide our members with chances to upskill, grow, and develop. We are grateful to the EDTP SETA for the funding that has unlocked this treasure trove of opportunities."  2026 is off to a strong start, and SAPHE colleagues are embracing every opportunity to learn, innovate, and lead in the higher education sector.