November 19, 2024

Second SAPHE Conference: A Resounding Success!

The 2nd Annual SAPHE Conference, held on 5–6 November at the IMM Graduate School, exceeded expectations, receiving overwhelmingly positive feedback from attendees. The event was abuzz with activity, high-level discussions, and dynamic conversations centred on higher education (HE), with a particular focus on private higher education Under the theme, Leading innovation in Higher Education (HE), the Conference featured prominent keynote speakers, thought-provoking panel discussions, interactive workshops and insightful research presentations.




Setting the tone



Renowned academic and vibrant speaker, Prof. Sioux McKenna, opened the conference with a keynote address that set the stage for deep reflection on the future of higher education. Her probing questions about the purpose of HE, whose interests it should serve, what makes it good, its short-term goals, and the threats to its long-term future underscored the complexity and multifaceted nature of the topic.


With astuteness and insight, Prof McKenna explored HE from different perspectives before challenging attendees with a powerful final question: What future do you want for HE?


The conversation continued with a panel discussion on Shaping the discourse of a responsive private HE sector. Facilitator Dr Ronel Blom,  and panel members Dr Makhapa Makhafola from SAQA, Dr Gloria Castrillon from UJ and Ms Helen Buhrs, Inscape CEO, discussed the challenges and opportunities facing the sector. 



The role of HE in socio-economic growth



On the second day of the Conference, Dr Lucky Mathebula delivered an inspiring keynote address on The role of HE in socio-economic growth. He emphasised that HE’s essence lies not only in creating a better society but also in showcasing the potential greatness of a country through its graduates. His address left attendees motivated to see HE as a transformative force for societal progress. 


Building on Dr Mathebula’s insights, a panel discussion explored the potential of Inner Development Goals (IDGs) in fostering students’ personal and professional success. Panel members included Dr Radhika Bhuyan (UJ), Namhla Mzuku (UP), and Leigh Johnson, a private consultant. 


Engaging workshops on authentic assessment and leadership skills for academics and institutional leaders, and research presentations ensured ongoing momentum throughout the Conference.




Excellence Awards



A highlight of the Conference was the inaugural SAPHE Excellence Awards, celebrated during a cocktail event. Awards were presented in three categories: Teaching and Learning, Research, and Community Engagement.


Winners:

  • Teaching and Learning: Boston City Campus, with academics Dr Rob Stegmann, Ms Colette Heunes, Prof. Cobus Oosthuizen, and Dr Janet Viljoen taking the trophy for their multi-faceted entry.
  • Research: Dr Tadi Rampai (Posthumous) from The Da Vinci Institute.
  • Community Engagement: Mr John Durr and Mr Earl-Djehuti Erasmus from Tsiba.


Runners-up:

  • Teaching and Learning: 1st runner-up, Ms Annetjie Pretorius (The Independent Institute of Education); 2nd runner-up, Ms Riana Prins and Dr Cecelia Rosa (IMM Graduate School).
  • Research: 1st runner-up, Ms Jaclyn van Rensburg (Red & Yellow Creative School of Business); 2nd runner-up, Dr Rob Stegmann (Boston City Campus).
  • Community Engagement: 1st Runner-Up, Ms. Sarina Till (The Independent Institute of Education); 2nd runner-up, Dr Daud Taranikhe (The Da Vinci Institute).

The conference also provided ample networking opportunities, fostering connections and collaboration among peers.


Acknowledging our partners


The SAPHE Conference would not have been possible without the generous support of sponsors  Cengage, Juta, OpenCoLab, Oxford University Press and Van Schaik and exhibitors Bookt, Emerald, EdgeEducation,  Wisenet and WWIS.  

The Conference Committee extended sincere gratitude to everyone who contributed to the success of this inspiring event.

Revisiting the value of assessment

July 22, 2025
The Faranani session on 17 July examined assessment from various perspectives. With just two carefully crafted questions, David Maclean, facilitator and founder of Learning Advisory, created a space for lively conversation and engagement on the real purpose and value of assessment. The first question, What would assessment look like if it served learning rather than sorting?, prompted reflection on the difference between ‘assessment for learning’ and ‘assessment of learning’. Participants explored the role of continuous assessment as a compass that guides learning, rather than a tool for ranking or gatekeeping. The second question, How do we truly know when learning has occurred at the deepest level?, encouraged participants to share personal experiences and teaching practices that reveal meaningful learning beyond surface-level achievement. The session reframed assessment by focusing on its potential to enhance learning and support development, moving beyond its traditional role as a final evaluation tool.  Embodying the spirit of a wisdom circle, the Faranani session offered space for collective reflection, shared insights, and mutual learning.

SAPHE launches research CoP

July 17, 2025
SAPHE’s first Research Community of Practice (CoP) meeting took place on Monday, 30 June, marking an important step toward strengthening research capacity and collaboration within private higher education. As research is a core pillar of higher education, SAPHE members welcomed the opportunity to engage on research-related matters. The first session focused on supporting those who have made submissions for the upcoming SAPHE Conference. A highlight of the session was a presentation on the use of AI in research. From sparking ideas to helping with literature reviews and writing, AI was framed as a powerful research tool, similar to a calculator for a mathematician or a camera for a photographer. But, the message was clear: AI can assist, but the researcher remains the author!  True to the spirit of a Community of Practice, this new SAPHE initiative creates a collaborative space for sharing, questioning, and growing together. We look forward to many more engagements as this CoP evolves.

Strengthening QA through collaboration

By Sibusiso Ngidi • June 17, 2025
The imaginative and metaphorical title of our recent Quality Assurance Community of Practice (QA CoP) meeting, Shared spellbook: Unlocking the magic of collective wisdom, beautifully captured the spirit of the event and the collaborative energy among QA professionals from SAPHE member institutions. Leading the conversation, Dr Franzél du Plooy-Cilliers invited participants to reflect on the unique value that emerges when ideas, knowledge, and experiences are shared. Collaboration in QA doesn’t just foster innovation—it challenges complacency, inspires ongoing improvement, and raises the quality bar across institutions. The ripple effects are powerful: Not only do individual PHEIs benefit from stronger practices, but the entire higher education sector is elevated through shared commitment to quality-assured education. During the session, participants discussed common challenges, such as limited staff engagement in QA processes and the need for integrated workflows that support shared values and a common understanding. Looking ahead, key themes were identified for future QA CoP engagements. Plans are already underway for the next meeting on 14 August, where the community will continue "writing the shared spellbook" - sharing insights and best practices to improve quality. Together, the CoP is shaping a culture of excellence, collaboration, and innovation—one "spell" at a time.