Deputy Minister of Higher Education and Training, Dr Mimmy Gondwe, will lead a series of engagements with private higher education institutions next week as part of ongoing efforts to strengthen collaboration within South Africa's Post-School Education and Training (PSET) sector.
The meetings, scheduled for 8 and 10 June 2026, aim to improve cooperation between government and private higher education providers while addressing key challenges facing the country's education and skills development landscape.
Government Seeks Stronger Collaboration With Private Higher Education Sector
According to the Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET), the engagements will focus on building stronger relationships with legitimate private higher education institutions and exploring ways to expand access to quality education.
The discussions will also examine how government and private institutions can work together to:
- Improve access to higher education opportunities
- Address challenges within the PSET sector
- Support innovation in education and training
- Respond to labour market demands
- Encourage private investment in education
- Promote inclusive economic growth
The department believes that stronger collaboration between public and private stakeholders can contribute significantly to improving educational outcomes and skills development in South Africa.
Focus On Compliance And Student Protection
Dr Gondwe, who oversees private higher education institutions, has played a key role in promoting compliance within the sector through the department's Bogus Colleges Awareness Campaign.
The campaign aims to protect students by ensuring that private institutions are properly registered with the Department of Higher Education and Training and that their qualifications are accredited by recognised quality assurance bodies.
These bodies include:
- South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA)
- Quality Council for Trades and Occupations (QCTO)
- Council on Higher Education (CHE)
The department said the upcoming engagements are intended to strengthen cooperation with registered institutions that make a positive contribution to South Africa's higher education sector.
Private Higher Education's Role In Economic Growth
Dr Mimmy Gondwe emphasised the important role private higher education institutions play in supporting national development and preparing graduates for the future workforce.
“The conversation can no longer be about whether private higher education institutions have a role to play; 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,” Gondwe said.
She added that private institutions can make a significant contribution to developing graduates with the skills needed in a modern, technology-driven economy.
Institutions Participating In The Engagements
The first engagement session, taking place on 8 June, will include representatives from:
- ADvTECH (Rosebank International College)
- South African Private Higher Education
- Association for Private Providers of Education Training and Development
- South African Business Schools Association
- Other private higher education associations
The second round of engagements, scheduled for 10 June, will include discussions with:
Supporting The Future Of South African Higher Education
The engagements form part of broader efforts to strengthen South Africa's post-school education sector and ensure that students have access to quality learning opportunities that align with the needs of the economy.
By working closely with registered private institutions, government hopes to create a more responsive, innovative and inclusive higher education system that equips graduates with the skills needed for future employment and economic participation.
Additional reporting by SANews.gov.za.
