October 30, 2026

Meet our Sponsors

Together, we reach further “If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go together.” — African proverb


The proverb speaks to the value of collaboration and shared purpose. SAPHE’s sponsors for its 2026 Conference, Private Higher Education: Academic Excellence in an Evolving Society, represent a range of organisations whose expertise and services contribute to the higher education ecosystem.

Gold Sponsor

OpenCollab


For more than 27 years, OpenCollab has helped higher education institutions across Africa improve their operations, enabling staff to focus on teaching, learning and student success.


As Instructure’s official partner in South Africa, OpenCollab implements and supports Canvas, providing lecturers and students with a modern, intuitive learning environment. Its a journey.


SIS student information system complements Canvas by connecting key institutional functions, including curriculum design, admissions, registration, student records, fees and graduation.


Together, these solutions help institutions reduce manual administration, improve data quality, support informed decision-making and create a more connected student experience.


Website: https://www.opencollab.co.za/


Silver Sponsors

Clarivate


Clarivate is a global provider of information, data, analytics and workflow solutions.


It supports organisations in the academic, government and intellectual property sectors through specialist insights, enriched data and expert services.


Website: https://clarivate.com/


EBSCO South Africa


EBSCO South Africa represents EBSCO Information Services in Southern Africa, supporting academic institutions, public libraries, schools, government organisations and research institutions.


Its portfolio includes research databases, e-books, e-journals, discovery services and library technologies that help students, researchers, educators and librarians access reliable information.


EBSCO also provides training, customer support and professional development to meet the needs of institutions in the region.


Website: https://www.ebsco.com/


Bronze Sponsors

Juta


For more than 170 years, Juta has supported South African education through authoritative academic, legal and professional content for teaching, learning and research.


Combining established publishing expertise with digital innovation, Juta offers print, digital and online learning resources that support access to knowledge, student success and academic excellence.


The organisation continues to work with educators and institutions to respond to the changing needs of higher education.


Website: https://www.juta.co.za/


Ontech Solutions


Ontech Solutions is an education, training and development consultancy providing integrated services to public- and private-sector organisations.


Its areas of expertise include accreditation consulting, quality assurance, curriculum and learning programme development, learning management systems, research consulting, strategic planning, policy development, marketing and communications, facilitation and multimedia design.


Ontech Solutions works with government departments, SETAs, skills development providers, higher education institutions, private companies, professional bodies and other organisations to strengthen capacity, support compliance and enhance performance through innovative, research-driven approaches.


Website: https://ontechsolutions.co.za/


Oxford University Press Southern Africa


Oxford University Press Southern Africa (OUP) publishes higher education textbooks aligned with academic curricula, incorporating African perspectives through relevant, current and engaging content.


Through ongoing market research and consultation with the higher education sector, OUP reviews and updates its resources to respond to evolving educational needs, industry developments and local contexts.


It also works with institutions to develop flexible, tailored solutions that support students.


Website: https://oxford.co.za/

SAPHE Conference 2026: Private Higher Education in an Evolving Society

October 27, 2026
Time and tide wait for no one. The same is true of higher education. For private higher education to contribute meaningfully to society, it must keep pace with changing needs and respond to the demands of an evolving world. The SAPHE Conference 2026 will explore this under the theme Private Higher Education: Academic Excellence in an Evolving Society, taking place on 11 and 12 November 2026 at IMM Graduate School, Parktown . The two-day programme will bring together colleagues from across the higher education sector to explore its future direction, consider emerging challenges and opportunities, exchange ideas and celebrate excellence. Day 1 | 11 November The Conference opens with a keynote address by Prof Ahmed Bawa of the Johannesburg Business School, University of Johannesburg, titled Private Higher Education, Being Higher Education. This will be followed by a CEO/Owner panel discussion, What Kind of Private Higher Education Sector Do We Want to Be?, exploring the future direction, role and aspirations of private higher education in South Africa. Day 2 | 12 November Prof Stephanie Burton of the University of Pretoria will deliver a keynote address titled The Role of Higher Education Institutions in Developing Talent for This Changing World. Delegates will also participate in an interactive Institutional AI Decision-Making Lab , providing an opportunity to exchange perspectives and consider how private higher education institutions can approach AI adoption and implementation. The programme also includes a dedicated workshop on the Higher Education Qualifications Sub-Framework (HEQSF), presentations on a range of relevant topics, and opportunities to engage with colleagues from across the sector. A highlight of the Conference will be the SAPHE Excellence Awards Cocktail , celebrating the outstanding achievements and contributions of individuals and institutions in private higher education. Thank you to our sponsors SAPHE gratefully acknowledges the generous support of our sponsors, whose contributions help make the Conference possible. Gold Sponsor OpenCollab Silver Sponsors Clarivate EBSCO South Africa Bronze Sponsors Juta Ontech Solutions Oxford University Press Southern Africa  We would also like to thank IMM Graduate School for generously providing the conference venue at no charge. Be part of the conversation shaping the future of private higher education in South Africa. We look forward to welcoming delegates for two days of engagement, knowledge-sharing and celebration as we consider the role of private higher education in an evolving society.

SAPHE Conference 2026: Exploring the future of higher education

October 12, 2026
With the SAPHE Conference fast approaching, SAPHE looks forward to welcoming delegates on 11-12 November 2026 at the IMM Graduate School in Parktown, Johannesburg. Held under the theme Private Higher Education: Academic Excellence in an Evolving Society, the Conference will feature engaging, interactive sessions and opportunities for discussion and exchange. Two distinguished keynote speakers, Prof Ahmed Bawa and Prof Stephanie Burton , will share their perspectives on the nature and purpose of higher education and its role in a rapidly changing world. 

SAPHE pays tribute to Mr Sam Isaacs

October 8, 2026
SAPHE extends its sincere condolences on the passing of Mr Samuel Benjamin Arend Isaacs. Mr Isaacs played a significant role in shaping South Africa’s post-1994 education and training landscape. His contribution to the development of the NQF and to the recognition and advancement of learning has had a lasting impact across the education sector.  SAPHE acknowledges his remarkable contribution to South Africa’s education and training community and extends our condolences to his family, friends and colleagues at SAQA.