Deputy Minister of Higher Education and Training, Dr. Mimmi Gondwe, will lead a series of sector-wide events with private higher education institutions next week in efforts to strengthen collaboration and address key challenges facing South Africa's post-school education and training (PSET) sector.
Sessions are scheduled for Monday, June 8 and Wednesday, June 10, 2026.
The sessions aimed to strengthen relationships and enhance cooperation between the government and the private higher education sector to address critical challenges in the post-school education and training sector, as well as expand initiatives to increase access to education for all.
Discussions will also focus on creating a business-friendly environment for private investment in education and promoting innovation and responsiveness to labor market needs.
Gondwe, who oversees private higher education institutions, has played a leading role in promoting legislative compliance through the department's intergovernmental Bogus Colleges Awareness Campaign.
The campaign seeks to protect students by ensuring that private institutions are registered with the Department of Higher Education and Training and offer programs accredited by recognized quality assurance bodies, including the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA), the Quality Council of Trade and Occupations (QCTO) and the Council of Higher Education (CHE).
According to the department, the upcoming activities are aimed at strengthening collaboration with legitimate and fully registered institutions that contribute positively to the PSET sector of the country.
Gondwe said, “The conversation can no longer be about whether private higher education institutions have a role or not; that question has long been settled; the focus now is on collaborating more effectively and responsibly to ensure that higher education supports national development and inclusive economic growth.”
He also highlighted that private higher education institutions can make a significant contribution to developing institutions that produce graduates equipped with the skills required for a modern, technology-driven economy.
Monday's session will be with ADvTECH (Rosebank International College), private higher education associations including the South African Association of Private Higher Education (SAPHE), the Association of Private Providers of Education, Training and Development (APPETD), the South African Business Schools Association (SABSA), and other private higher education associations.
On Wednesday, the Deputy Minister will meet with Regent Business School, STADIO, Eduvos and the Da Vinci Institute. – sanews.gov.za