Universities South Africa

Meet the voices shaping the conversation at the 4th USAf Higher Education Conference.

As we count down to the 4th Universities South Africa(USAf) Higher Education Conference, we are excited to introduce some of the thought leaders who will bring their expertise, insights and perspectives to this important gathering.

Over the coming weeks, follow our Meet the Speakers series as we showcase the people and conversations exploring the challenges, opportunities, and future of South African higher education.

First up: Prof Chris Brink, who will lead the conversation on the Societal Impact of Research.

Prof Brink brings extensive leadership experience and a compelling perspective on how universities can think more intentionally about the impact their research has on society. This discussion will also provide an opportunity for universities to share examples of research that is creating meaningful societal impact.

Event details:

Date: 7–9 October 2026
Venue: CSIR International Convention Centre, Pretoria
Register now: https://usaf.ac.za/the-4th-usaf-higher-education-conference/

VACANCY: PROJECT MANAGER – UNIVERSITY LECTURER DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMME (ULDP)

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

The position will provide strategic, operational, financial and compliance leadership for the national implementation of the ULDP, with a focus on effective programme delivery and measurable impact in lecturer development.

Closing date: 28 August 2026, close of business
Interested candidates should submit a letter of motivation and CV, including the names and contact details of at least three traceable referees, to [email protected].

Please note: This is a readvertisement. Applicants who previously applied for this position need not reapply, as their applications will be considered.

Please refer to the attached vacancy advert for further information.

Are you an academic involved in training mathematics teachers?

You are warmly invited to join Universities South Africa's Community of Practice for the Teaching and Learning of Mathematics on 13 August.

At the 2nd ''SUM GOOD CONVERSATIONS'' webinar, we explore how universities can drive effective mathematics teacher professional development.

Our wonderful presenters and panelists are:

• Presenter: Professor Seithuti Moshokoa, South African Mathematics Foundation (SAMF)

Panelists:

• Professor Mellony Graven: South African Research Chair (SARChI) in Numeracy Education, Rhodes University
• Professor Kerstin Jordaan: Distinguished Professor of Mathematics and Acting Director, Unisa - The University of South Africa/Universiteit van Suid-Afrika
• Professor Benita Nel: Director, Science Learning Centre for Africa (SLCA), The University of the Western Cape

Register now: https://lnkd.in/girMQcdN

Details:
Online - via MS Teams
13 August 2026
10:00 - 12:00

4th USAf Higher Education Conference: Co-creating a Resilient Future

Universities South Africa (USAf) will host its 4th Higher Education Conference from 7–9 October 2026 at the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research. CSIR International Convention Center in Pretoria, with hybrid participation available.

The conference takes place under the theme: “Co-creating a Resilient Future.”

The theme recognises that resilience in higher education extends beyond responding to disruption. It calls for institutions to renew, reimagine and strengthen their collective capacity to shape a future that is equitable, sustainable and responsive to society’s needs.

The 2026 conference will provide a platform for thought leadership, strategic dialogue and collaboration among leaders and stakeholders across higher education, government, industry, civil society and international partner institutions.

Discussions will consider the role of universities in navigating contemporary challenges, including technological disruption, economic uncertainty, changing societal expectations, climate change, evolving labour markets, and the continued pursuit of equity and inclusion.

Conference details:

Date: 7–9 October 2026
Venue: Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) International Convention Centre, Pretoria
Attendance: Hybrid

USAf invites stakeholders across the higher education sector and its broader ecosystem to join this important conversation on shaping a resilient future for higher education.

Registration for the conference is now open: https://lnkd.in/gvzFBRrX

Join the Universities South Africa Digital Education in Learning and Teaching (DELT) Community of Practice for an engaging dialogue exploring Institutional Responsibility in an AI-Driven World. Chaired by Laura Czerniewicz and facilitated by Nicola Pallitt, we will examine how universities can lead responsibly while preparing students and staff for a rapidly evolving future.

Featured Speakers:

Professor Danny Liu (University of Sydney) is an internationally recognised leader in AI in education and co-chair of the University's AI in Education Working Group.
Professor Willie Chinyamurindi (University of Fort Hare) is an expert in leadership, the future of work, ethical AI, and responsible innovation.

Date: 12 August 2026
Time: 14:00 – 15:30 (SAST)

Register today https://lnkd.in/dHn-HRsw

Important Sector Update: Internationalisation & Employment Equity

On 3 August, Universities South Africa (USAf) officially launched the Position Paper: "Developing an Approach to Internationalisation in South African Universities: Employment Equity and the Appointment of International Staff."

Authored by Professor Crain Soudien, this paper addresses the complex intersection of global competitiveness and local transformation. The launch webinar featured robust discussion, highlighting that while we move forward, there are no easy answers—only the need for deeper dialogue. We want to hear from YOU.

USAf views this paper as the start of a critical conversation, not the final word. We invite universities and stakeholders to review the document and submit feedback.

Submit your comments to Felicity Kokose ([email protected]) by 31 August 2026.

You can access the webinar recording via this link: https://usaf.ac.za/developing-an-approach-to-internationalisation-in-south-african-universities-employment-equity-and-the-appointment-of-international-staff/

Download the USAf Internationalisation Position Paper:https://usaf.ac.za/wp-content/uploads/USAf_Internationalisation_Position_Paper.pdf

Universities South Africa (USAf) is inviting applications for the position of Admin Officer: Projects within the EDHE - Entrepreneurship Development in Higher Education Programme.

This 12-month contract offers an opportunity to contribute to national initiatives that promote student entrepreneurship across South Africa's public universities.

The successful candidate will support project coordination, stakeholder engagement, event management, monitoring and reporting, while helping deliver impactful programmes that empower student entrepreneurs.

Pretoria
12-Month Contract
Applications close: 17 August 2026

Interested applicants should submit a letter of motivation and a comprehensive CV, including the names and contact details of at least three traceable referees, to [email protected].

For full details, please refer to the vacancy advertisement.

We encourage applications from people from designated groups, including persons with disabilities.

You are invited!

What should a Master's degree actually achieve?

Should every Master's qualification have the same purpose?

In South Africa, Master's programmes are incredibly diverse. Some prepare graduates for professional practice, while others are designed as a pathway to doctoral study. They vary in structure, outcomes and expectations.

As national discussions continue on developing Standards for Master's qualifications, this is an important moment to reflect on some fundamental questions:

What defines quality in a Master's qualification?
What skills and attributes should every Master's graduate possess?
How should we evaluate whether these outcomes have been achieved?
Do different types of Master's programmes require different quality standards?

Join the Universities South Africa Community of Practice for Postgraduate Education and Scholarship (CoP PGES) as we explore these questions.

Prof Stephanie Burton, internationally respected researcher and higher education leader, will facilitate this important national conversation.

JOIN US!

Thursday, 6 August 2026
10:00 – 12:00
Microsoft Teams

Register now and add your voice to this important national discussion:
https://lnkd.in/d4vvrpxv

Big news! The USAf 2025 Annual Report is now available. This past year was all about strategic leadership, teamwork, and strengthening the resilience of South Africa's public universities.

Dive into the full report and see the impact: https://usaf.ac.za/annual-reports/

Department of higher Education & Training

Join Us for the Launch of the USAf Internationalisation Position Paper

Universities South Africa (USAf) is pleased to invite higher education leaders, academics, policymakers and stakeholders to the launch of its latest Position Paper:

Developing an Approach to Internationalisation in South African Universities: Employment Equity and the Appointment of International Staff

Author: Professor Crain Soudien

Commissioned by the USAf Transformation Strategy Group (TSG), the Position Paper contributes to one of the most important conversations in South African higher education today: how universities can advance internationalisation while remaining responsive to transformation, employment equity and national development priorities.

The paper explores:
• Internationalisation and Africanisation in higher education
• Employment equity and the appointment of international academics
• National and institutional policy perspectives
• The contribution of international scholars to South Africa's higher education system
• Recommendations to inform future sector policy and practice

Date: Monday, 03 August 2026
Time: 10h00–13h00 (SAST)
Platform: HELM Engage Webinar
Join Zoom Meeting: https://us06web.zoom.us/j/87517032565
Meeting ID: 875 1703 2565

The webinar will feature a presentation by Professor Crain Soudien, followed by a facilitated panel discussion and an opportunity for participants to engage on the future of internationalisation in South African higher education.

Register here: https://helm.ac.za/launch-of-the-usaf-internationalisation-position-paper/

For enquiries, please contact [email protected]

We look forward to welcoming you to this important sector conversation.