University of South Africa Partners with THE to Advance Quality Education in Africa

Times Higher Education (THE) has partnered with Unisa to put on THE University Impact Forum: Quality Education, which is taking place at the university’s main campus in Pretoria, South Africa, this Thursday 21 September 2023.

The forum’s theme will look at Developing and enhancing quality education in Africa, which is based on the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 4 – quality education.

THE’s University Impact Forum in partnership with Unisa on SDG4: Quality Education

Amongst the 30 leaders from the higher education sector who will be speaking at the event will be the Principal and Vice-Chancellor of Unisa, Prof Puleng LenkaBula; Martin Oosthuizen, the Executive Director of the Southern African Regional Universities Association (SARU); as well as former South African Statistician-General and Director of the Economic Modelling Academy, Dr Pali Lehohla.

Higher education in Africa is hindered by a chronic lack of investment, an unsustainable policy environment, competition from outside Africa for academic talent, international conflicts and a colonial legacy that has created multiple socio-economic challenges to which higher education must respond.

Four-panel discussions will debate issues including student support, community engagement, technology and untapping the continent’s massive potential as it is set to overtake Asia with more young people by the middle of this century.

The forum will explore:

• How higher education can meet the needs of learners from diverse communities without discrimination.
• What higher education in Africa will look like by the middle of the century.
• What is needed to deliver quality teaching and learning in higher education in Africa.
• Collaborations with other sectors, including technology, AI and business.

Tristan Horlick, THE’s Regional Manager – Africa, says: “The forum will focus on the opportunities and challenges higher education faces in Africa over the coming decates.” He adds: “The great speakers will ensure fascinating, lively and hugely important discussions about developing higher education in Africa, ensuring this event is one not to miss.”

LenkaBula says: “As a leading comprehensive open distance education institution, Unisa is honoured to partner with THE as we explore lasting solutions to the challenges facing higher educationin Africa and globally, as well as co-construct a future higher education milieu that we all envisage.” She adds: “It is a particularly singular honour to host the forum in the year that Unisa celebrates its 150th anniversary.”

The University Impact Forum is taking place three months after the release of THE’s Impact Rankings 2023, which assesses universities against the UN’s 17 SDGs.

The forum includes a masterclass examining THE’s Impact Rankings metrics and methodology with a focus on university performance for SDG1 – no poverty; SD4 – quality education; SDG 8 – decent work and economic growth; and SDG 10 – reduced inequalities.