Department of Higher Education and Training DHET

Overview

The Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET) is a South African government entity responsible for overseeing and coordinating the country's post-school education and training system. Established in 2009 following the merger of the former Department of Education and the Department of Science and Technology, DHET aims to provide strategic leadership and support for an integrated post-school education and training (PSET) system that contributes to the economic and social development of South Africa.

Historical and Legal Framework

DHET was formed to address the need for a unified approach to post-school education and training. The department operates within the framework of the Higher Education Act of 1997 and the National Qualifications Framework Act of 2008, which provide the legal basis for the regulation and quality assurance of higher education and training institutions in South Africa. These legislative instruments empower DHET to oversee public universities, technical and vocational education and training (TVET) colleges, and community education and training (CET) colleges.

Mission, Vision and Objectives; Role in Higher Education

Mission: DHET's mission is to develop and support a quality higher and vocational education sector, promoting access to education and training opportunities that are responsive to the needs of individuals and the economy.

Vision: The department envisions a South Africa with a differentiated and fully inclusive post-school system that allows citizens to access relevant education and training, thereby participating in an inclusive economy and society.

Objectives:

• Enhance access to and success in post-school education and training.
• Improve the quality and relevance of education and training programs.
• Develop a skilled and capable workforce to meet the demands of the economy.
• Promote lifelong learning and continuous professional development.

In higher education, DHET collaborates with universities and other institutions to ensure that academic programs align with national priorities and contribute to the development of a knowledgeable and skilled workforce.

Governance, Structure and Independence

DHET is headed by the Minister of Higher Education and Training, who is appointed by the President of South Africa. The department's structure includes various branches responsible for policy development, planning, monitoring, and evaluation. It also works closely with statutory bodies such as the Council on Higher Education (CHE) and the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) to fulfill its mandate. While DHET operates within the framework of the national government, it maintains a degree of autonomy to address the specific needs of the post-school education and training sector.

Accreditation and Quality Evaluation Role in Higher Education

DHET plays a significant role in the accreditation and quality assurance of higher education institutions in South Africa. It collaborates with the CHE and its subcommittee, the Higher Education Quality Committee (HEQC), to ensure that universities and other institutions meet national standards for academic quality and institutional governance. The accreditation process involves rigorous evaluation of programs and institutions to ensure that they provide education and training that is relevant, effective, and aligned with the needs of the economy.

International Cooperation and Network Memberships

DHET actively engages in international cooperation to enhance the quality and relevance of South Africa's post-school education and training system. It participates in various regional and global networks, including the Southern African Development Community (SADC) and the African Union, to share best practices, collaborate on research, and promote the internationalization of higher education. Through these partnerships, DHET seeks to position South Africa as a hub for higher education and training in the region and to attract international students and researchers.

Current or Future Impact on Higher Education

DHET's initiatives have a significant impact on the higher education landscape in South Africa. Current efforts focus on:

• Expanding Access: Increasing enrollment in universities and other post-school institutions, particularly among underrepresented groups.
• Enhancing Quality: Implementing measures to improve teaching and learning outcomes, including faculty development and curriculum reform.
• Aligning Education with Economic Needs: Developing programs that equip graduates with skills that are in demand in the labor market.
• Promoting Research and Innovation: Supporting research initiatives that address national and global challenges.

Looking forward, DHET aims to continue its efforts in transforming the post-school education and training system to meet the evolving needs of the economy and society, ensuring that all South Africans have access to quality education and training opportunities.

Summary

The Department of Higher Education and Training plays a pivotal role in shaping South Africa's post-school education and training system. Through its strategic leadership, policy development, and collaboration with various stakeholders, DHET strives to provide accessible, quality education and training that contributes to the country's socio-economic development. Its commitment to accreditation, quality assurance, and international cooperation ensures that South Africa's higher education institutions remain competitive and responsive to the needs of the global knowledge economy.

FAQs

• What is the Department of Higher Education and Training?

  The DHET is a South African government department responsible for overseeing and coordinating the country's post-school education and training system, including universities, TVET colleges, and CET colleges.

• How can I apply for accreditation as an education provider?

  Education and training providers must apply for accreditation with an Education and Training Quality Assurance (ETQA) body under the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA). More information is available on the SAQA website.

• Where is the Department of Higher Education and Training located?

  The DHET is headquartered at 123 Francis Baard Street, Pretoria, South Africa.

• How can I contact the Department of Higher Education and Training?

  You can contact the DHET by phone at 012 312 5911 or by email at callcentre@dhet.gov.za. For more information, visit the official website at www.dhet.gov.za.

Organization Name

Department of Higher Education and Training

Acronym

DHET

Year of Establishment

1/01/2009

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

123 Fr​ancis Baard Street
Pretoria
0001 Gauteng South Africa

Phone

+27 (12) 312 5911

Fax

+27 (12) 312 5911

n.a.

Official Social Media Channels

Facebook

Department of Higher Education and Training's Facebook page

X (Twitter)

Department of Higher Education and Training's X page

LinkedIn

Not available

YouTube

Department of Higher Education and Training's YouTube channel

Instagram

Not available

Wikipedia Article

Department of Higher Education and Training's Wikipedia article

Unlock your University's potential: spotlight your Institution on UniRank for leads, local recognition and branding. Enquiry now to feature your University here.

Explore other South African higher education-related organizations and authorities.

Find top-ranked Universities in South Africa.

Search for courses and scholarships with the uniRank World Universities Search Engine.