Deputy Minister Dr Mimmy Gondwe has initiated a nationwide collaboration drive targeting private higher education institutions across South Africa. The engagements, scheduled to run from 8 to 10 June 2026, aim to strengthen ties between the Department of Higher Education and Training and registered private providers in the post-school education and training system.
Background to the Initiative
South Africa’s higher education landscape includes both public universities and a growing private sector. Private higher education institutions play an increasingly important role in expanding access to tertiary education amid capacity constraints at public institutions. The Department of Higher Education and Training oversees registration and quality assurance for these providers under the Higher Education Act of 1997.
Dr Gondwe, who assumed the role of Deputy Minister in July 2024, holds executive oversight over private institutions of higher learning. Her portfolio also includes responsibility for two sector education and training authorities and workplace programmes in technical and vocational education and training as well as community colleges.
Details of the Nationwide Engagements
The collaboration drive will see Dr Gondwe lead sector-wide meetings with private higher education institutions in multiple provinces. These sessions are designed to foster dialogue on regulatory compliance, quality enhancement, and alignment with national skills priorities. The Department of Higher Education and Training has described the initiative as crucial for supporting South Africa’s post-school education and training objectives.
Engagements will cover topics such as institutional governance, student success strategies, and contributions to economic development. Private providers are expected to share perspectives on operational challenges and opportunities for partnership with government and industry.
The Role of Private Higher Education Institutions
Registered private higher education institutions number approximately 132 and contribute meaningfully to overall tertiary enrolment. In recent years the sector has accounted for a growing share of headcount students, helping to address demand that public universities alone cannot fully meet. Projections indicate continued expansion, with potential to support national development plan targets for higher education participation.
These institutions often focus on niche programmes in business, information technology, health sciences and other fields aligned with labour market needs. They operate without public subsidies yet must meet the same accreditation standards as public counterparts through the Council on Higher Education.
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Regulatory Framework and Quality Assurance
The Council on Higher Education serves as the independent statutory body responsible for quality assurance in the higher education sector. It advises the Minister on policy and oversees programme accreditation and institutional audits for both public and private providers. Compliance with registration requirements set by the Department of Higher Education and Training remains mandatory.
Recent policy developments have opened pathways for qualifying private institutions to seek recognition as higher education colleges or university colleges, subject to rigorous evaluation of teaching, research and governance standards.
Addressing Capacity and Access Challenges
Public universities face significant pressure from rising applicant numbers. For the 2026 academic intake, available first-year spaces at public institutions are limited, prompting greater reliance on private providers to absorb additional students. The collaboration drive seeks to ensure private institutions can scale responsibly while maintaining quality and supporting student success.
Broader post-school education and training enrolment has grown substantially, reaching nearly one million students in recent years. Private institutions help diversify options, particularly for working adults and those in regions with limited public campus access.
Stakeholder Perspectives and Expected Outcomes
Department statements emphasise the importance of collaboration across government, institutions and industry to strengthen regulation and service delivery. Private higher education representatives are anticipated to engage on issues including funding models, infrastructure development and international partnerships.
Potential outcomes include improved data sharing, joint initiatives on graduate employability and clearer guidelines for institutional growth. The drive aligns with ongoing efforts to position higher education as a driver of inclusive economic participation.
Implications for Skills Development and the Economy
Private higher education institutions contribute to skills pipelines in priority sectors identified in national strategies. By enhancing collaboration, the initiative supports better alignment between programme offerings and workforce demands in areas such as digital technologies, renewable energy and advanced manufacturing.
Graduates from these institutions enter the labour market with qualifications that complement those from public universities, helping to address shortages in technical and professional fields.
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Future Outlook for Private Higher Education
The collaboration drive signals sustained government interest in leveraging private capacity within a regulated framework. Continued growth in the sector is expected as demand for flexible, career-oriented programmes rises. Institutions that demonstrate strong governance, quality outcomes and relevance to national priorities are likely to benefit from expanded partnerships.
Longer-term developments may include further policy refinements to level the playing field between public and private providers while safeguarding standards and student protection.
Opportunities for Academics and Administrators
University administrators and academics working in or with private institutions can engage directly through the scheduled provincial sessions. Participation offers avenues to influence policy discussions and explore collaborative projects in teaching, research and community engagement.
Job seekers in the higher education sector may find expanding opportunities at private providers as they strengthen operations and programme portfolios in response to the national drive.