ISASA is the short name for the Independent Schools Association of Southern Africa.
About ISASA
ISASA is the oldest and largest voluntary association for independent (private) schools in Southern Africa, tracing its origins to 1929. Today it represents over 900 schools across South Africa and neighbouring countries, educating more than 200,000 learners.
Non‑profit Membership Organisation
As a non‑profit NPC, ISASA does *not* own or govern schools—instead member schools pay an annual subscription for access to ISASA’s services. Membership is voluntary and conditional on meeting ISASA’s quality criteria.
Vision & Mission
ISASA’s vision emphasizes high-quality, value-based, public-spirited independent schools contributing meaningfully to education throughout Southern Africa. Its mission focuses on safeguarding member interests, promoting best practices, and supporting sustainability and quality in independent education.
Services & Programmes
Member schools benefit from a wide array of services, including:
- Policy guidance and compliance support (e.g. admissions, school registration, educator registration, learner discipline, POPIA, Umalusi accreditation)
- Governance and operational toolkits, crisis and risk management templates
- Professional development workshops on topics such as school marketing, fee collection, child protection, employment law, transformation & diversity, governance and leadership
- Specialised affinity groups: SAHISA (Heads and Principals), SABISA (Bursars and Business Managers), and curated staff development funding.
Scope & Reach
Membership spans a diverse spectrum—from low‑fee community schools to high-fee traditional institutions—across multiple countries including Botswana, Namibia, Eswatini, Mozambique, Lesotho and Zambia. The schools serve communities across socio-economic, linguistic and religious lines, with over 210,000 learners enrolled.
Strategic Focus 2020–2024
The current strategic plan is centred on sustaining excellence in independent schooling through strengthening school resilience, enhancing transformation and diversity, and advancing professional leadership and governance within the independent sector.
In summary: ISASA plays a central, supportive role in the independent schooling sector of Southern Africa, offering voluntary membership to a wide network of schools and providing comprehensive services—from legal policy and governance to leadership training and financial sustainability—underpinned by a strategic commitment to quality education, transformation and diversity.
Do you want to get priority access to the articles about Learnerships, internships, bursaries and so much more on the Careers Portal website?
Then click here to make Careers Portal a Preferred Source.
Post-Matric Options
We helped you with past papers for your matric exams, so hopefully you are happy with your Matric results. So now you are faced with a lot of post-matric options that can shape your future paths. You might want to study law, teaching, or nursing. Of course studying is expensive so we have helpful advice about student loans, NSFAS bursaries, Fundi loans, ISFAP, and lots of other funding options.
These options range from pursuing higher education at universities , TVET Colleges or private colleges, finding student accommodation, entering vocational training programs (like Learnerships and internships), joining the workforce, or even starting your own business. There are so many choices but we are here to help.
Where to Study
SACAP refers to the South African College of Applied Psychology.
Too often, those in crisis can’t access the help they need. SACAP's person-centered educational philosophy develops the skills you need to effect positive change where it’s needed most. SACAP’s work-integrated learning offering is where your training really comes to life so submit your SACAP online application now.
General News
Applying for your Smart ID Card has gotten even easier as you can now apply online via e-Home Affairs. Here is how to apply, upload documents and pay for your application all from the comfort of your own home.
