Conference

A logo for lysaphe conference with a book and a person.

About the conference

The SAPHE Conference will take place on 11 and 12 November 2026. The event offers a valuable platform for academics from the private higher education sector to showcase their research and engage with peers, industry partners, and key stakeholders in higher education.

Conference theme: Private Higher Education: Academic Excellence in an Evolving Society

 

Sub-themes:

  • Teaching and Learning
  • Research and Innovation
  • Community engagement


The higher education landscape is changing rapidly, locally and globally. In South Africa, policy developments, shifting enrolment patterns, and the need for greater responsiveness to societal needs are reshaping the sector.


Globally, artificial intelligence and micro-credentials are driving new opportunities and challenges, and prompting a re-examination of the value, purpose, and delivery of education.


Against this backdrop, the conference will explore a central question: How does private higher education advance the sector and exemplify academic excellence in an evolving society?

Venue

IMM Campus Parktown – No. 2, 3rd Avenue, Parktown, Jhb 2193

Venue Name: Gandhi, Shuttleworth, Luthuli


Public Transport option

  • Gautrain Routes/ Bus details to be confirmed


Contact details

Conference Secretary:  info@saphe.ac.za

Conference Registration

Online Conference Registration Opens: 7 September 2027

Online Conference Registration Closes: 30 October 2027



Member Institutions

  • 2 days: R1100 per delegate
  • 1 day: R700 per delegate
  • 5 or more delegates from the same institution (2 days): R700 per delegate

Students – Member Institutions: R400


Non-member Institutions

  • 2 days: R2500 per delegate
  • 1 day: R1400 per delegate

Students – Non-member Institutions: R600

Conference Registration

Call for Papers

We invite you to submit abstracts for full papers, work-in-progress papers, position papers, or poster presentations to be reviewed for inclusion in the conference programme.

Submission Requirements

1. Abstracts 


  • The EasyChair submission link will be available soon. In the meantime, please use the submission form below.
  • Submission deadline: 11 June 2026
  • Feedback on acceptance will be provided by 07 July 2026
  • Abstracts must be submitted in English
  • Word limit: 250 words (excluding title and contributor details)
  • Abstracts not selected for presentation may be considered for poster presentation
Download

2. Full Paper Submission


  • Length: 4 000–5 000 words (approximately 10–12 pages), including references
  • Papers must include: Introduction (background); problem statement; literature review (theoretical/conceptual framework); methodology; discussion of findings; practical recommendations; conclusion; and references
  • Preferred referencing style: APA (7th edition). Guide: https://owl.purdue.edu/owl/research_and_citation/apa_style/apa_formatting_and_style_guide/apa_changes_7th_edition.html
  • The full paper title must match the title of the accepted abstract
  • Submission deadline: 14 August 2026
  • Feedback on acceptance will be provided by 30 September 2026
Download

3. Work-in-Progress (WIP) Presentation


  • Abstract required (250 words)
  • Full paper length: 1 500–2 000 words (5–7 pages), including references
  • Submission deadline: 14 August 2026
  • Feedback on acceptance will be provided by 30 September 2026
  • Papers must include: Introduction (background); problem statement; literature review (theoretical/conceptual framework); methodology; envisaged findings; conclusion; and references 
Download

4. Position Presentation (invited paper)


  • 20-minute presentation followed by 10 minutes discussion
  • An abstract of the position paper must be submitted
  • Submission deadline: 14 August 2026
  • Feedback by 31 August 2026
  • Submissions should present a thought-provoking idea, concept, or position within private higher education that could contribute to shaping or transforming the higher education landscape in South Africa. 
Download

5. Poster Presentation


  • 5-minute presentation
  • Posters must be submitted in English
  • Posters must be presented using a PowerPoint format (1 slide only)
  • Poster presentations will be scheduled alongside full paper sessions
  • Submission deadline: 14 August 2026
  • Feedback: 30 September 2026
  • Posters should include: Background; aim/purpose; methodology; findings/results; and recommendations
  • Include 4–6 keywords at the end of the slide 
Download

Submission and Review Process

  • Only staff from SAPHE members may submit papers for the conference.
  • Double double-blind peer review process is applied for all submissions.
  • All accepted papers, WIP, position papers and poster presentations must be resubmitted to the SAPHE Scientific Committee for inclusion in the Conference Book of Abstracts by 09 October 2026. 


Submission Form

Submissions are closed

Important Dates 

Closing date for abstract submissions | 11 June2026


Announcement of abstract/poster/WIP acceptance | 07 July 2026


Closing date for all (full/ poster/WIP) revised papers | 14 August 2026


Full paper reviews conclude | 30 September 2026


Full paper acceptance feedback to author | 30 September 2026

Committees

Conference Committee

The Conference Committee consists of a Scientific Committee and an Organising Committee. The Scientific Committee is composed of academics from SAPHE member institutions who, as accomplished researchers, will oversee the review process of abstracts and papers. The Organising Committee is responsible for the comprehensive planning and execution of the event, including programme development, logistics, financial management, and marketing, to ensure a successful and enriching experience for all attendees.


Scientific committee members:


Prof Japie Greeff (Chair)

Research Coordinator – Belgium Campus iTversity

Research interests: Engineering education, computer science education, artificial intelligence, deep learning, serious games and gamification.


Abri Coetzee

Research and Innovation Coordinator – Inscape Education Group

Research interests: Design and education-related fields.


Dr Carla Enslin

Dean: Postgraduate and Research – EMERIS

Research interests: Identity systems, leadership and reputation building, creative strategic thinking and brand contact strategy.


Dr Jaco Kruger

Head of Quality Assurance – Foundation for Professional Development (FPD)

Research interests: Higher education, quality assurance, academic leadership, and the Arts and Humanities.


Prof Dianne Manning

Education Development and Quality Assurance – Foundation for Professional Development (FPD)

Research interests: Curriculum development, faculty development, student selection, student engagement and Health Professions Education.


Thabo Maseakwaal

Lecturer – STADIO Higher Education

Research interests: Human resource management, business management, entrepreneurship, hybrid work models, employee motivation and performance, organisational behaviour.


Prof Kiveshnie Naidoo

Academic Director: Graduation, Research, Academic Partnerships and Collaborations – MANCOSA

Research interests: Gender development, leadership and education.


Mahlatse Ragolane

Senior Researcher and Lead: Special Projects (Academic Design) – Regent Business School

Research interests: Hybrid governance, artificial intelligence and public administration.


Prof Flip Schutte

Dean of Research and Head of the Institute for Postgraduate Studies – STADIO Higher Education

Research interests: Research methodology, doctoral education, entrepreneurship, coaching and mentoring.


Dr Helena van Wyk

Dean: Postgraduate and Research – IMM Graduate School

Research interests: Branding, corporate communication, marketing communication and higher education.


Organising Committee

Nancy-Anne Anderson (SAPHE)

Sharlene Vania (SAPHE)