October 27, 2026

SAPHE Conference 2026: Private Higher Education in an Evolving Society

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. 

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