Africa's future depends on its ability to attract, develop and retain talent. Prof Zeleza issues a compelling warning that the continent is falling behind in the global competition for skills, innovation and knowledge production. Explore why universities must play a central role in reversing this trend.

Beyond medals and match results, university sport is a powerful catalyst for student success, leadership development and social cohesion. Discover how sport contributes to holistic learning, builds resilient graduates and strengthens the higher education experience both on and off the field.

Higher Education and Training Minister Buti Manamela says South African universities must rethink teaching and assessment to prepare graduates for a world increasingly shaped by artificial intelligence (AI), while strengthening the country's capacity to develop and govern its own technologies. The Minister noted that generative AI can assist to improve research, translation, administration and...

The Department of Basic Education (DBE) has welcomed the smooth start to the 2026 National Senior Certificate (NSC) examinations, with no major irregularities reported on the first day. The examinations commenced across the country on Tuesday, 13 October 2026, with candidates in all nine provinces sitting for Computer Applications Technology (CAT) Paper 1 Practical and various language papers...

The EFF Youth Command says students were justified in protesting over disputed UKZN SRC election results, while the university says three Risk Management Services staff members were injured and plans criminal charges. EFF KZN Youth Command coordinator Manqoba Malandela said protests were often the only way for students to get the attention of the university management "We think the actions of our...

Nelson Mandela University's executive dean of law, Dr Lynn Biggs, has been appointed president of the South African Law Deans' Association (Salda). The prestigious role reinforces the university's growing influence on national legal and judicial education. Alongside her presidency, Dr Biggs takes on key governance roles, including a seat on the SA Judicial Education Institute Council and ongoing...

The University of Cape Town (UCT) has secured $1.6-million (about R26.4-million) from Google.org to develop an AI-powered platform aimed at assisting doctors make safer, more effective treatment decisions for African patients by mapping genetic variants that affect how their bodies process medicines. UCT is one of only 17 organisations worldwide selected for the Google.org Impact Challenge: AI...

The University of Johannesburg, in partnership with nonprofit organisation the South African Muslim Charitable Trust, has launched a new R2.5-million, fully equipped mobile optometry clinic, designed to deliver comprehensive eye care directly to communities. Sabrina Jardim has the story. Unlike a conventional screening vehicle, the UJ/SAMCT mobile optometry clinic is equipped for comprehensive...

The Department of Basic Education says 76 000 candidates out of the more than 960 000 sitting for this year's matric final examinations are "progressed learners". The department and Umalusi briefed the Portfolio Committee on Basic Education on the exams' readiness and measures put in place to ensure the examination period goes...

The Class of 2025 achieved a record-breaking 88% pass rate, but June 2026 results show declines across maths, physical science, accounting and agricultural sciences. The maths pass rate dropped from 73.3% in June 2025 to 68.25% in June this year; physical science from 75.9% to 73.12%; accounting from 85.1% to 81.03% and...

The Insurance Sector Education and Training Authority (Inseta) has summarily dismissed chief executive Gugu Mkhize after a disciplinary process found she had acted fraudulently and dishonestly by raising her own remuneration package by more than R265,000 a year without authority. News24 reports that the matter has been referred to...

Johannesburg-based aviation training organisation and simulator training centre Alt Academy has announced a partnership with the University of Pretoria Aerospace Society (UPAS), aimed at supporting the development of future aviation professionals and strengthening engagement between students and the aviation training industry...

Final matric exams are here, and life after school is top of mind for those ending their schooling career. In today's tough economy, traditional degrees aren't the only route to success. More youth are being encouraged to consider skilled trades like welding, electrical engineering, and plumbing. eNCA hit the streets of...

UNIVEN hosts North-West University for a strategic benchmarking visit focused on strengthening university-community partnerships, measuring societal impact, and advancing inclusive development. On 22 September 2026, the University of Venda (UNIVEN), through the Directorate of Community Engagement, Entrepreneurship, Inclusive...

UNIVEN hosts North-West University for a strategic benchmarking visit focused on strengthening university-community partnerships, measuring societal impact, and advancing inclusive development. On 22 September 2026, the University of Venda (UNIVEN), through the Directorate of Community Engagement, Entrepreneurship, Inclusive...

There is a habit of speaking about local government elections as the lesser poll, a mere rehearsal for the national and provincial contests. I want to argue the opposite. It is at the municipal scale that the Constitution touches the skin: in the water that does or does not come out of the tap, the refuse that is or is not...

This approach supports UMP's Vision 2030 priorities for teaching and learning, quality student experience, engagement and partnerships, and its vision of creating opportunities for sustainable development through innovation. A key part of this work is the Work-Integrated Learning (WIL) Forum, which brings together stakeholders to...

With 23 distinctions in his undergraduate studies and an artificial intelligence business with an international reach, University of Fort Hare (UFH) alumnus Chuma Memela's route to success is remarkable, considering he once dropped out of university. Earlier this month, Memela graduated with a Master of Commerce in Information...

South African universities risk allowing the demands of institutional survival to narrow their intellectual purpose. This concern shaped a national discussion in which the Minister of Higher Education and Training, Buti Manamela, and university leaders questioned whether the country's higher education system gives institutions...

The prestigious and highly competitive University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN) Doctoral Research Scholarship is awarded to top new full-time PhD candidates across UKZN's Colleges. It provides financial support for the first year of study, with renewals available for up to three years in total, subject to excellent academic progress. The...

A field trip to the Cederberg marked the very first time a foundation art class at Michaelis School of Fine Art undertook fieldwork focused on precolonial indigenous rock art. The trip, which took place in September, forms part of the school's new curriculum development at the University of Cape Town (UCT). Now, a group of...

Professor Forssman received the NRF Public Engagement with Research Award, which recognises outstanding contributions to public engagement with science and celebrates individuals who make their research, science and technology accessible, relevant and meaningful to society. "Receiving the award shows me that my work as an...

CPUT continues to expand its international research footprint through strategic engagements aimed at advancing sustainable food innovation, strengthening postgraduate research and creating opportunities for global scientific collaboration. Dr Vusi Mshayisa, a Senior Lecturer in the Department of Food Science and Technology and...

Sol Plaatje University's (SPU) and the Northern Cape Department of Health have formalised their collaboration through the signing of a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA), marking an important step towards the proposed establishment of a Faculty of Health Sciences at the University. The agreement was signed during an engagement held at...

As education increasingly relies on digital platforms, cloud-based systems, and online collaboration, safeguarding information and digital infrastructure has become more critical than ever. Cybersecurity is no longer optional; it is essential for protecting personal data, institutional information, and ensuring a secure learning...

The University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN) hosted its prestigious Scholarship Awards Ceremony on Wednesday, 2 September 2026, at the Inkosi Albert Luthuli International Convention Centre (Durban ICC), celebrating outstanding student achievement. The University recognised 84 students for excellence in academics, community engagement and...

The University of Eswatini (UNESWA) lacks adequate facilities and equipment for practical aquaculture training and research, raising concerns about its capacity to produce skilled professionals who can help develop the country's fish farming industry. Dr Thabisile S. Sigwane, a Lecturer in the Department of Animal Science at...

Radford University College has signed academic partnership agreements with Singidunum University in Belgrade and the University of Novi Sad, both in Serbia, creating new opportunities for Ghanaian students to begin their studies in Ghana and continue their degree programmes in Serbia. The agreements were signed last Friday in...

Outgoing Public Service Commission (PSC) chairman Anthony Muchiri has reignited debate over the quality of higher education in Kenya after claiming that some holders of doctoral degrees struggle to demonstrate the knowledge and reasoning expected of highly qualified professionals. Muchiri, who is leaving office after serving as PSC...

The government has been urged to recruit qualified information and communication technology (ICT) professionals as teachers to equip learners with practical digital skills while creating employment opportunities for young people. Information Security Specialist and Agriculturist Eng. Emmanuel Muhamubi called on the Ministry of...

The federal government the minister of State for Education, Prof. Suwaiba Said Ahmad, has directed vice-chancellors of Nigerian universities to prioritise transparency, accountability and due process in financial management, procurement, recruitment, promotion, admissions and other activities to strengthen governance and improve...

Minister of State for Education, Prof. Suwaiba Sa'id Ahmad, has called for stronger governance, regulatory compliance and strategic collaboration among stakeholders to reposition Nigerian universities for global competitiveness, technological advancement and national development. Ahmad made the call at a retreat organised by the...

The Sudanese Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research will announce on Wednesday the admission results for higher education and scientific research institutions for the 2026-2027 academic year. The announcement will be made during the 67th briefing conference organized by the Ministry of Culture, Information...

Educationists have called on the government to reconsider plans to make the Uganda National Institute for Teacher Education (UNITE) the sole provider of teacher education in the country, warning that no single institution possesses the capacity to meet the national demand for qualified educators. Speaking on the sidelines of the...

THE United Nations and the African union have commended Zimbabwe's Heritage-Based Education 5.0, saying the country has proved to be a torchbearer on the African continent in enhancing education, innovation and industrialisation. Zimbabwe was also commended for establishing a stand-alone Ministry of Skills Audit and Development...

Ontario's colleges and universities minister has barred three career colleges from being able to offer publicly funded student financial assistance until at least 2030, after previously blocking them from the program just for this year. An order in May from Nolan Quinn meant that six schools, including four Academy of Learning...

The Association of Atlantic Universities says the region's schools have been disproportionately hurt by the Canadian government's restrictions on international student enrolment. The number of international students enrolled in its universities has dropped by nearly 48 per cent since the federal government imposed new restrictions...

From 34.9 billion yuan in 1995 to 3.93 trillion yuan in 2025 -- China's annual R&D spending has surged more than 100-fold in three decades. In a new report, Nature examines China's remarkable rise as a global scientific powerhouse, from AI breakthroughs to space exploration. "China has the potential to fundamentally change the...

Tripura Chief Minister Manik Saha on October 14 said the state government would recruit 126 more assistant professors in degree colleges, reaffirming its commitment to strengthening higher education and promoting women's empowerment. Saha was speaking at a programme organised jointly by the Higher Education Department and the Youth...

Indonesia and China are accelerating cooperation in technical and vocational education and training (TVET) to align with Indonesia's national development goals and rising industrial demands, Indonesia's Minister of Higher Education, Science and Technology Brian Yuliarto told Xinhua in an interview on Tuesday. Collaboration between...

Universities are to tell an Oireachtas committee that they are at capacity and teetering on a cliff-edge unless the Government addresses a funding gap in higher education. The head of the Irish Universities Association (IUA), which represents seven universities, will be joined by representatives of Trinity College Dublin...

Kazakhstan and Belgium agreed to expand academic mobility, joint research and artificial intelligence cooperation as President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, King Philippe and Queen Mathilde attended a bilateral Rectors' Forum on Oct. 13, bringing together leaders of 29 universities and research organizations. Held at the Alem.ai...

Higher education reforms will focus on developing graduates with strong values, critical thinking skills and a firm sense of identity, alongside meeting industry and technological demands, says the Higher Education Ministry. "The Malaysia Higher Education Plan (RPTM) 2026-2035, particularly its first thrust, focuses on...

Malaysia wants to attract international students from a wider range of countries rather than relying on just a handful, says Datuk Seri Dr Zambry Abd Kadir. The Higher Education Minister said the initiative would benefit Malaysian students by exposing them to a broader range of global perspectives. "Having more students from abroad...

A massive 20 percent of recent Master's theses in the Netherlands were largely written by an AI chatbot, RTL Nieuws discovered when scanning hundreds of recent theses from 12 Dutch universities through the AI detection tool Pangram. Only 41 percent of theses contained no AI-generated text at all, the broadcaster wrote. Education...

The Tertiary Education Commission (TEC) is defending its decision to limit the number of people training to be a nurse. It has written to tertiary providers asking them to limit nursing enrolments next year to 2025 levels, because there are not enough student placement spots available in hospitals. Health New Zealand said student...

Artificial intelligence, climate change, and rapidly evolving workforce demands are challenging universities to rethink how they teach, conduct research, and prepare students for the future. At the Regional Policy Conference on Future-Ready Higher Education: Leadership, Innovation and Sustainability in Iloilo City, CHED Chairperson...

More than 50 staff at Glasgow Caledonian University (GCU) will strike over job cuts and for the university refusing to rule out compulsory redundancies. The cuts, according to Unite the Union, are in response to a £33 million drop in income over the last two years, which the union said has come as a result of a dip in the number of...

Two students were caught using AI-powered smart glasses during essay-based admissions exams at Yonsei University and the University of Seoul, but the institutions imposed sharply different penalties, raising questions about fairness. Yonsei discovered a student wearing smart glasses during the mathematics portion of its essay-based...

The Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research has successfully concluded a comprehensive training initiative in collaboration with global technology enterprise SAP, bringing together fourteen esteemed academic faculty members from six distinguished higher education institutions throughout the United Arab Emirates. The...

Russell Group universities are worse than others at preparing students for how artificial intelligence might be put to use in their future workplaces, according to a survey of more than 1,000 undergraduates in the UK. More than three-quarters (77 per cent) of those enrolled at one of the group's 24 research-intensive institutions...

Following the indecent assault of a Texas State student on Sunday, Oct. 11, CBS Austin analyzed sex crimes data across five major public universities in Texas. Public and private postsecondary institutions that participate in federal student financial aid programs must follow the Jeanne Clery Act, which mandates the reporting of...