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“We would like to see our universities going forward as anchor institutions communities and forging university relationships and partnerships industry”
– Minister Blade Nzimande, Department of Higher Education and Training
About Us
“We will turn to chancellors to help us to make inroads in addressing the long-term sustainability of universities, which is critically tied to the issue of ensuring that the value system of universities are on sound footing”
– Prof Ahmed Bawa, CEO of Universities South Africa (USAf)
In South Africa, of every 100 students who complete matric only 12 will gain entry into university
South African universities, while already contributing significantly to improving this landscape, has not transformed the societal understanding of universities as institutions that function for the public good
The SAUCF was formed in June 2020, as the pandemic resulted in emergency introductions of online and remote education across South Africa. Following several introductory meetings, the SAUCF was launched publically in July 2021.
The SAUCF brings together University Chancellors with a view to:
Support university stakeholders as required
Procure public and private funding for universities
Promote excellence in universities
Stakeholder Support
The SAUCF cooperates with Universities South Africa (USAf), which comprises of 26 public universities, represented by their Vice-Chancellors, as well as experts within their membership network. The SAUCF has been established as a mutually reinforcing co-operation between Chancellors and Universities South Africa (USAf).Leadership
The SAUCF is led by a Steering Committee, who is responsible for guiding the strategies discussed during Forum meetings. The Steering Committee leadership comprises:- Dr Precious Moloi-Motsepe, Chancellor of the University of Cape Town
- Dr Judy Dlamini, Chancellor of the University of the Witwatersrand
- Prof Bonang Mohale, Chancellor of the University of the Free State
- Advocate Mojanku Gumbi, Chancellor of the University of Venda
- Justice Edwin Cameron, Chancellor of the University of Stellenbosch
The formation of the South African Universities Chancellors’ Forum (SAUCF) provides a basis for the collective voice of the chancellors of the 26 public universities to contribute to the wellbeing and long-term sustainability of the national higher education system
It builds on their election as the titular, ceremonial leaders of their universities of which they are the embodiment of the institutional ethics, ethos and integrity
Harnessing the collective stature and influence of Chancellors to restore ethical standards within universities, this Forum aims to:
Develop a social justice approach to higher education, where universities propel democratic engagement
Advocate for academic freedom, which nurtures success of the higher education system through assessments of different perspectives
Conceptualise ethical frameworks that will guide societal engagement and governance
Promote public ownership of higher education institutions, where the public recognise their role as beneficiaries and stakeholders in the accomplishments of universities
Advocate for the financial sustainability of universities and for the development of long-term sustainable models of student funding