Council on Higher Education HEQC

Overview

The Council on Higher Education (CHE) is an independent statutory body established in 1997 under the Higher Education Act (Act 101 of 1997) of South Africa. It serves as the national quality assurance and advisory body for the higher education sector, operating under the Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET). The CHE's primary mandate is to promote and ensure quality, equity, and transformation within South Africa's higher education system.

History and Legal Framework

Established in 1997, the CHE was created to oversee the transformation and quality assurance of South Africa's higher education landscape post-apartheid. Its legal foundation is rooted in the Higher Education Act, which outlines its responsibilities, including advising the Minister of Higher Education and Training, developing national standards, and accrediting higher education institutions and programs. The CHE also manages the Higher Education Qualifications Sub-Framework (HEQSF), which aligns qualifications with the National Qualifications Framework (NQF) to ensure consistency and quality across the education system.

Mission, Vision, and Objectives in Higher Education

The CHE's mission is to lead and manage quality assurance in South African higher education, research and monitor trends and developments, initiate critical discourse on contemporary higher education issues, and provide advice to the Minister on strategy and policy. Its vision is to be a dynamic organization contributing to a transformed, equitable, and quality higher education and training system in South Africa. The CHE's objectives include:

• Ensuring that higher education institutions meet national quality standards.
• Promoting access and success for all students, particularly those from historically disadvantaged backgrounds.
• Supporting the development of a diverse and inclusive higher education system.
• Facilitating the internationalization of higher education in South Africa.

Governance, Structure, and Independence

The CHE operates as an independent body, governed by a Council appointed by the Minister of Higher Education and Training. The Council is supported by various committees, including the Higher Education Quality Committee (HEQC), which is responsible for accrediting programs and conducting institutional audits. The CHE's organizational structure is designed to ensure transparency, accountability, and effective oversight of the higher education sector.

Accreditation and Quality Evaluation in Higher Education

As the national quality assurance body, the CHE oversees the accreditation of higher education programs and institutions through the HEQC. The accreditation process involves rigorous evaluations to assess whether programs meet established quality standards. This includes reviewing curriculum content, teaching methodologies, student support services, and outcomes. The CHE also conducts institutional audits to evaluate the overall effectiveness and compliance of higher education institutions with national standards.

International Cooperation and Network Memberships

The CHE actively engages in international collaborations to enhance the quality and global competitiveness of South African higher education. It participates in various international networks and forums, such as the International Network for Quality Assurance Agencies in Higher Education (INQAAHE), to share best practices and align with global standards. The CHE also supports the internationalization of South African higher education by facilitating partnerships and exchange programs with institutions worldwide.

Current and Future Impact on Higher Education

As of 2025, the CHE continues to play a pivotal role in shaping the future of South African higher education. Its efforts in quality assurance and accreditation contribute to the development of a robust and responsive higher education system. Looking forward, the CHE aims to further enhance its impact by:

• Strengthening the alignment of higher education programs with labor market needs.
• Promoting the integration of technology and innovation in teaching and learning.
• Advancing policies that support sustainable development and social justice.
• Enhancing the capacity of higher education institutions to respond to emerging challenges.

Summary

The Council on Higher Education is a cornerstone institution in South Africa's higher education landscape. Through its statutory mandate, the CHE ensures that higher education institutions uphold high standards of quality, equity, and transformation. Its work is instrumental in fostering a higher education system that is inclusive, globally competitive, and responsive to the needs of society.

Frequently Asked Questions

• What is the role of the CHE?
  The CHE is responsible for quality assurance, accreditation, and advising the Minister of Higher Education and Training on higher education matters in South Africa.
• How does the CHE contribute to higher education transformation?
  The CHE promotes equity, access, and quality in higher education through its policies, standards, and oversight mechanisms.
• Can private institutions be accredited by the CHE?
  Yes, the CHE accredits both public and private higher education institutions and their programs, ensuring they meet national quality standards.
• How does the CHE support international collaboration?
  The CHE engages in international networks and partnerships to enhance the global competitiveness and quality of South African higher education.
• Where can I find more information about the CHE's activities?
  For detailed information, visit the official CHE website at https://www.che.ac.za/.

Organization Name

Council on Higher Education

Acronym

HEQC

Year of Establishment

1/05/1998

Control Type

Public

Entity Type

Non-Profit

Geo Focus and Coverage

National

Recognized by

n.a.

Affiliations or Memberships

n.a.

Number of Member Universities or Accredited Institutions

n.a.

Address

Persequor Technopark, Brummeria, Quintin Brand Street 1; PO Box 13354
Pretoria
0126 Gauteng South Africa

Phone

+27 (12) 349 3840

Fax

n.a.

Official Social Media Channels

Facebook

Council on Higher Education's Facebook page

X (Twitter)

Council on Higher Education's X page

LinkedIn

Council on Higher Education's LinkedIn profile

YouTube

Not available

Instagram

Not available

Wikipedia Article

Not available

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