Universities South Africa

Tribute to Professor Tandi Matsha-Erasmus

It is with profound shock and deep sorrow that the Board of Directors and Management of Universities South Africa (USAf), an umbrella body representing the 26 public universities in South Africa, learned of the untimely passing of Professor Tandi Matsha-Erasmus, Vice-Chancellor and Principal of Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University (SMU).

Her passing represents an immense loss to the broader higher education sector. The Board and Management of USAf extend their heartfelt condolences to her husband, children, broader family, University community, and to all whose lives she touched through her work.

Read the full tribute here: https://usaf.ac.za/tribute-to-professor-tandi-matsha-erasmus/

Call for proposals/quotations: Consultant to manage the HELM's Webinar Series.

The Higher Education Leadership and Management (HELM) programme seeks to appoint a consultant to manage HELM's Webinar Series.

Read more in the Terms of Reference. Interested individuals may submit proposals by 16:00 on Monday, 6 July 2026.

Submissions must be addressed to Ms Molatelo Motswe at [email protected]

Request for Proposals: Provision of Audit Services

Universities South Africa (USAf), in partnership with the Services SETA, is implementing a three-year bursary programme commencing in 2026.

The programme prioritises financially needy students and contributes towards skills development within the services sector. For the 2026 academic year, the programme has a funding allocation of R520 million and targets approximately 5,200 students across South Africa’s 26 public universities.

USAf is inviting suitably qualified audit firms to submit proposals for the provision of audit services for the Services SETA–USAf Bursary Programme.

The appointed audit firm will be required to provide independent assurance on financial management, compliance, governance, risk management and performance, while ensuring that funds are used for their intended purpose and in line with the relevant Memorandum of Agreement, policies and regulatory requirements.

Closing date: 30 June 2026 at 11h00
Submission email:[email protected]
Enquiries: [email protected]

Interested audit firms are encouraged to review the full RFP for detailed requirements and submission conditions.

Project manager (re-advert) fixed-term appointment (one-year renewable contract)

Universities South Africa (USAf) invites applications for the position of a Project Manager: University Lecturer Development Programme (ULDP).

The Project Manager: University Lecturer Development Programme (ULDP) will provide strategic, operational, financial, and compliance leadership for the national implementation of the ULDP.

Interested candidates should please submit a letter of motivation and their CVs with the names and contact details of at least three traceable referees, by close of business on 19 June 2026, to: [email protected].

Candidates who previously applied need not reapply

(USAF) acknowledges the Minister’s decision to place under administration but cautions that temporary interventions won’t fix deep-rooted structural flaws. While welcoming the appointment of Professor Mathebula and assurances of continued funding, USAF warns that repeated cycles of crisis, administration, and partial recovery only destabilise the sector and harm students.

Universities South Africa (USAf) has entered into a partnership with International Business Machines Corporation (IBM) to support the development of a coordinated approach to artificial intelligence (AI) across South Africa’s higher education sector.

Backed by an estimated R8 million in-kind grant, the initiative will support all 26 public universities in strengthening their capacity to adopt and apply AI across teaching, learning, research, and administration.

The partnership is being rolled out in phases, entailing:

• A survey to assess sector readiness for AI adoption (completed in 2025)
• Sector-wide consultative workshops from December 2025 to November 2026 to co-create a consolidated plan for AI adoption
• Capacity development through the IBM SkillsBuild programme, enabling access to over 1000 online courses and certifications in AI, data science, and digital innovation

This partnership aims to equip the sector to respond to technological change meaningfully and sustainably while strengthening its contribution to research, innovation, and societal development. Training will roll out from 2027.



Read the full article here: https://usaf.ac.za/usaf-and-ibm-partner-to-strengthen-ai-capacity-across-south-african-universities/