June 5, 2025

Towards a unified higher education sector in South Africa

In recent weeks, national discourse has intensified around the roles of public and private higher education institutions in South Africa. Economist Dawie Roodt of Efficient Group proposed a shift in the allocation of government tertiary education funding, sparking wide-ranging reactions. These include responses from university leaders like Prof Linda Du Plessis of North-West University, and a direct engagement between Dr Phethiwe Matutu, CEO of Universities South Africa, and Mr Roodt in a debate aired on Newzroom Afrika.

In this context, the South African Private Higher Education (SAPHE) association, representing over 70% of students registered in private higher education institutions, would like to present its position.


We firmly believe that higher education plays a critical role in shaping South Africa’s social, economic, and intellectual future. Addressing pressing challenges such as youth unemployment, skills shortages, and inequality requires an inclusive, responsive system that serves the public good, with the public and private educational sectors joining hands to address these issues collaboratively, rather than taking opposing positions.


Capacity constraints

While public higher education institutions form the backbone of South Africa’s skills and knowledge pipeline, capacity constraints are a growing concern. At the start of 2025, it was widely reported that the higher education system faced severe capacity constraints, with 337,158 students achieving a bachelor’s pass in matric, but only just over 200,000 first-year spaces available at public institutions. Although public institutions receive funding and are continually upgraded to accommodate more students, constrained resources impose limits. This results in large class sizes where students needing individual attention can easily be lost in the crowd.


Furthermore, while first-year placements at higher education institutions in South Africa include study fields likely to lead to employable careers in South Africa, some qualifications largely focus on conceptual knowledge, which poses challenges for being employed with a developing socio-economic context like South Africa. This is where several SAPHE’s member institutions already play a vital role by offering industry-relevant qualifications focused on students' employability.


Challenging divides

SAPHE calls for a shift in how South Africa views its higher education sector, moving beyond outdated divides between public and private institutions. In this regard, SAPHE appreciates the position that the Council on Higher Education (CHE) has taken by referring to ‘higher education institutions’ as opposed to Public Universities and Private Higher Education Institutions.  Many students already move between private and public institutions when transitioning from undergraduate to postgraduate study, and SAPHE support students in executing their preferences regarding their studies.


Some private institutions are for-profit, while others have adopted non-profit models. NSFAS funding is not available to students who are registered with private higher education institutions, and many private higher education institutions leverage extensive industry partnership networks to secure bursaries for students who otherwise could not afford to study. This approach helps accommodate students from the “missing middle,” expanding access as widely as possible.


The forthcoming typology framework for higher education institutions presents a significant opportunity to reset entrenched typologies and instead focus on shared responsibilities, collective impact, and student outcomes. This classification will affect the entire sector and underscores the urgent need to shift focus towards outcomes and societal impact.


Public universities continue to benefit from public subsidies, while the growing private higher education sector operates through private investment and funding. This model has demonstrated sustainability, innovation, and responsiveness, especially in delivering industry-aligned programmes.


Despite different approaches, all higher education institutions are evaluated by common standards such as the Quality Assurance Framework published by the Council on Higher Education (CHE). This means every institution should strive to meet the highest quality levels as measured by these shared standards.


The evolving funding landscape demands a unified framework that prioritises learners rather than legacy structures. Now more than ever, we must ask: how can the sector, as a whole, equitably serve the diverse needs of South Africa’s students in a fast-changing global economy?


Looking at our BRICS partners, data from the World Bank and equivalent sources (2018–2020) shows the following proportions of students enrolled in private tertiary education institutions:

  • Brazil (2018): 73.41%
  • Russia (2020): 17%
  • India (2019): 57.78%
  • China (2019): 14.43%


This diversity demonstrates that private higher education can play a significant developmental role depending on a country’s context. In this regard, South Africa should engage in dialogue on how to address the needs of its youth more effectively, learning from international examples while considering our unique circumstances.


Funding and research gaps

SAPHE represents a growing sector of private higher education institutions (PHEIs), now serving hundreds of thousands of students across the country. According to DHET, nearly 1.3 million students were enrolled in tertiary education in 2021, with 232,915 registered in private institutions. These institutions are known for their flexible learning options and agility in aligning with industry needs.


Despite their contributions, private higher education institutions are often portrayed as profit-driven and exclusive, an outdated and inaccurate narrative. While they must be financially viable, many operate as not-for-profit entities and actively secure bursaries and scholarships from industry partners to support financially needy students.


In her opinion piece responding to Mr Dawie Roodt’s proposal, Prof Linda Du Plessis highlighted research as a key contribution of public higher education institutions. Most South African research that contributes to the national discourse, influences policy and solves societal problems is conducted predominantly at public institutions.


While it is not accurate to suggest that private academics do not engage in research, as demonstrated by initiatives such as the annual SAPHE conference, it is an area requiring greater support. A significant contributing factor is the disparity in research funding: public universities benefit from government subsidies and access to national research grants, support which is largely inaccessible to private institutions. This inevitably affects research output. It raises an important question: Does this distinction in funding allocation truly serve the broader public interest?

 

A diverse but unified sector

Our collective goal must be to create a diverse, high-quality higher education ecosystem that expands access, supports relevant research, and advances South Africa’s social and economic development.


Ultimately, the real question is not who delivers higher education, but whether that education is accessible, relevant, and transformative. Institutions, public or private, that rise to this challenge deserve to be celebrated.


We envision a unified higher education system built on a shared responsibility, mutual recognition, and a collective commitment to serve every South African learner. The future of higher education should be measured by our collective ability to unlock potential, foster inclusion, and deliver real impact where it matters most—in the lives of students and the communities they serve.


It is time to ask ourselves: Are we defending outdated institutional identities, or boldly redesigning a system that meets the urgent needs of our people and the future of our nation?

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.