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.

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.

Excitement builds ahead of the 3rd SAPHE Conference

November 4, 2025
With a week to go before the 3rd SAPHE Conference on 5 and 6 November at the IMM Graduate School in Parktown, Johannesburg, anticipation is running high. Under the theme “Leading Innovation in Higher Education: Impacting Locally and Globally,” the Conference will serve as a dynamic platform to explore, reflect on, and challenge thinking about innovation in the sector. Well-known speakers Mahlubi Chief Mabizela (USAf Director: Operations and Sector Support) and Edward Kieswetter (SARS Commissioner) will set the tone, delivering the keynote addresses on the respective days. Taking the baton from them, two panel discussions – one on the future of private higher education, facilitated by Africa Melane, and the other on Artificial Intelligence, led by Professor Ben Anderson – are sure to engage and inspire delegates. As a space to showcase and promote research, the Conference will also feature presentations across a range of themes, complemented by two hands-on workshops: AI as Research Ally and Quality as Intellectual Curiosity: Rethinking Quality Assurance in Higher Education. Together with the SAPHE Excellence Awards, the event promises to challenge conventional thinking, inspire innovation, and celebrate academic excellence in private higher education. 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.  With its rich mix of thought leadership, research, and collaboration, the 2025 SAPHE Conference promises to challenge convention, inspire new ideas, and celebrate the spirit of innovation in private higher education.