Recent developments in the higher education sector (The Higher Education Institutional Types Policy) have prompted renewed reflection on the relationships between different institutional types and the ways in which they collectively serve students and society. As the boundaries between public and private provision continue to evolve, there is growing interest in how collaboration, alignment and shared purpose might shape the next phase of South African higher education.

In this edition of HELM ENGAGE, a panel of experienced sector leaders comes together to reflect on what these shifts may mean for the future of the system. Dr Whitty Green, Chief Executive Officer Council on Higher Education, Dr Senoelo Nkhase Director: Institutional Research and Academic Planning at the University of the Free State, and Dr Linda Meyer, Chief Executive Officer of Rosebank College (ADvTECH Group), and will examine how constructive engagement across institutional types can contribute to innovation, broaden access, and support quality and sustainability across a diverse higher education landscape.

The discussion will engage with questions such as what changing forms of recognition and differentiation mean for the overall balance of the higher education ecosystem; how sector bodies such as USAf, HELM and the DHET might enable meaningful collaboration across institutional boundaries; what opportunities exist for shared leadership development, joint research initiatives and staff capacity building; and how emerging partnerships can support national priorities related to access, responsiveness and innovation.

The ENGAGE will take place on Wednesday, 4 March 2026, from 13:00 to 14:30. Once registered, participants will receive the Zoom details shortly before the event. Colleagues with an interest in the future direction of higher education are warmly encouraged to attend and to share this invitation within their networks.