Three thought-provoking perspectives from higher education leaders and experts converge on a common message: universities cannot build resilience through technology alone, overburdened staff, or reactive cost-cutting. Sustainable institutional success requires trusted leadership, responsible stewardship of resources, people-centred decision-making, and fit-for-purpose systems. Together, these articles challenge the sector to rethink how resilience is built, arguing that the future of higher education depends on strengthening human capacity, rebuilding trust, and addressing systemic weaknesses while embracing innovation responsibly.

Professor Vukosi Marivate urged universities to test artificial intelligence, invest in African expertise and protect human judgement rather than mistake access to technology for educational progress. Artificial intelligence (AI) may help universities produce lessons, analyse research, and develop new services faster, but it will not, by itself, repair weaknesses in teaching and assessment...

At the USAf conference, university leaders challenged research incentives, weak collaboration and student exclusion while defending academic freedom and sustained public investment. Universities cannot build a resilient future by demanding that exhausted academics and struggling students endure ever greater pressures. Professor Dini Mawela warned that institutional survival meant little if...

University leaders challenged South Africa's higher education sector to curb wasteful competition, restore confidence in institutional governance and ease the growing pressures on academic staff. They warned that keeping institutions afloat was not enough to make them resilient. South Africa's 26 public universities draw on the same pool of public funding, yet competition between them can...

Students who have not yet applied for the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) funding for the 2027 academic year have four days left to submit their applications before the closing date on 31 October. Applications opened on 18 September 2026, with NSFAS recording 868 626 applications on its dashboard on 19 October. The figures reflect a substantial number of applications, with 800 382...

Governance and accountability at the University of Cape Town (UCT) have come under scrutiny after vice-chancellor Professor Mosa Moshabela raised concerns about the disclosure of confidential information contained in reports commissioned by the university's council. The controversy follows council chair Norman Arendse's decision to make two reports by retired judges investigating complaints...

Deputy Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation, Dr Nomalungelo Gina, will deliver the keynote address at the launch of Mangosuthu University of Technology's (MUT) new initiative aimed at advancing women's participation and leadership in research and innovation. The launch will be held in Durban on Wednesday. MUT has established the Women in Research Initiative for Growth and Transformation...

Universities must cultivate questioning, deep reading and independent judgement alongside disciplinary expertise. This was a central message from Prof Jonathan Jansen MASSAf at the Academy of Science of South Africa's (ASSAf's) Annual Humanities Lecture on 22 October 2026. Delivered online, the lecture, The withering intellectual and the decline of the humanities in South Africa, marked the 10th...

The Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) has denied any involvement in Monday's protest at the University of Johannesburg (UJ). Protestors dressed in EFF regalia stormed the university's lecture halls and disrupted examinations. EFF student leader Gift Netshivhazwaulu, in a statement, said the party did not commission or back the...

As SA marks Transport Month, Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) colleges are helping to build the skilled workforce needed to keep the country's transport sector moving. From diesel mechanics to fitting and turning specialists, graduates are finding opportunities in industries that support transport, economic...

The University of South Africa (Unisa) has suffered another legal setback in its dispute with an LLB graduate over its refusal to issue an amended degree certificate reflecting his legally changed surname, after the High Court dismissed the university's application for leave to appeal. In a judgment delivered on Tuesday, October...

The University of Pretoria (UP) has published the Campus Catalyst, an insightful book highlighting the achievements of its alumni. The launch event for the new book was held at the University of Pretoria's Javett Art Centre in Hatfield, and BusinessTech was invited to attend. This new book ties into the University's Thrive UP 2038...

UCT has issued a formal apology after confidential information relating to the appointment of Faculty of Law Dean Professor Mohamed Paleker was exposed in publicly released judicial investigation reports, prompting Vice-Chancellor Professor Mosa Moshabela to warn that withdrawing the documents cannot undo the harm caused. The controversy erupted after UCT's Council published reports by retired...

The KwaZulu-Natal Department of Education is investigating allegations that learners at three schools in the province were barred from writing their National Senior Certificate (NSC) examinations. In the first incident, a matric learner at Thokozamnganga High School in eNtshongweni, under the Pinetown District, was allegedly...

University of Cape Town (UCT) Council member Mark Oppenheimer has raised concerns over the deterioration of the institution. Oppenheimer graduated from UCT in 2007 and has been a practising advocate and member of the Johannesburg Bar for 15 years. He is one of South Africa's most respected legal experts and public intellectuals and...

The University of Pretoria has refurbished its Mamelodi Campus football court through a R1.35m project aimed at creating better conditions for grassroots football and expanding opportunities for young people in the community. Originally built in 2010 as part of the Fifa World Cup legacy projects, the court has long served as a...

The Tshwane University of Technology (TUT) Entrepreneurship Expo brought students, entrepreneurs, alumni and industry partners together at the Pretoria West Campus to showcase businesses, exchange ideas and unlock opportunities for growth. Through a business exhibition and pitching competition, the Expo provided emerging...

At a clinic in South Africa, researchers have identified airborne ESKAPE bacteria which survive most antibiotic medicines. The clinic is in a densely populated inner-city area. Researchers from the University of Johannesburg (UJ) published the study in Indoor Air. They sampled air in the clinic, and identified bacteria found in the...

As artificial intelligence transforms the way knowledge is created, accessed and shared, some of the world's leading voices in academic librarianship have gathered at Stellenbosch University (SU) to confront a defining question: What will the library of the future look like?For Ellen Tise, SU's Chief Director: Library and...

Mandela University's Faculty of Education celebrated Heritage Month at Coega Primary School through an interactive programme connecting Indigenous Knowledge Systems (IKS) with Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM). Led by project leader Dr Ayanda Simayi, in collaboration with mathematics lecturer Dr Makhosi...

Following the overwhelming success of the recent International Coastal Clean-up (ICC), the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment (DFFE) has once again collaborated with Mangosuthu University of Technology (MUT) on a coastal environmental initiative called the Dolphin Coast clean-up campaign. The event took place on...

Breast Cancer Awareness Month ends on 31 October. In an opinion piece for the Weekend Argus, Prof Anna-Mart Engelbrecht, leader of the cancer research group in the Department of Physiological Sciences, looks forward to the day when every South African woman diagnosed with breast cancer, in a private clinic or a public hospital...

The chancellor of the North-West University (NWU) and professor of practice at the NWU Business School, Dr Anna Mokgokong, called for science, enterprise and partnership to convert rural potential into shared prosperity. At an agriculture gathering outside Brits on 26 October 2026, Dr Anna presented a compelling vision of how rural...

Wits University celebrated the exceptional achievements of academics, researchers and professional and administrative staff at the annual Vice-Chancellor's Awards, held during the Council and Senate Dinner at the Johannesburg Country Club on Thursday, 22 October 2026. Tasneem Wadvalla, the Registrar, welcomed guests and led the...

A qualification may open the door to a career, but succeeding in the workplace requires more than academic knowledge. For aspiring entrepreneurs, turning an idea into a viable business also demands insight, commitment and access to the right support. These themes took centre stage at the Faculty of Engineering and the Built...

A passion for character design and animation has brought Mr Sibusiso Gum an opportunity to help shape his university's identity. His futuristic robotic mascot is among the three finalists in the Vaal University of Technology (VUT) mascot competition. Originally from Queenstown in the Eastern Cape, the Advanced Diploma in Graphic...

On Sunday, 22 November 2026, four UP students, four alumni and four staff members will take on the 97 km Ride Joburg cycle race. Their shared purpose is to help UP graduates receive the degree certificates they have already earned. These graduates have completed their academic requirements, but outstanding student debt prevents...

Safe residences, reliable catering and responsive support services are among the priorities Mr Lungile Sabelo Masango intends to advance as the newly appointed Director: Student Accommodation and Catering at the Vaal University of Technology (VUT). Bringing more than 15 years of experience in higher education, student development...

The North-West University (NWU) chancellor, Dr Anna Mokgokong, has highlighted the potential of strategic partnerships between universities, traditional leadership, farmers and industry to strengthen agricultural production, create employment and connect local producers to commercial markets. Dr Mokgokong joined his majesty Kgosi...

The Secretary to Convocation hereby invites all eligible members of the Sol Plaatje University Convocation to attend the Convocation General Meeting. As an alumnus or alumna of Sol Plaatje University, you automatically qualify for membership of the University's Convocation. Meeting Details: Date: Saturday, 12 December 2026 Time...

Madibaz sportsman of the year Sachin Padayachee hopes his stint playing professional hockey in Germany will open the door for other South Africans who dream of competing internationally. Padayachee was recently named Mandela University's top male athlete after a stellar 12 months in the sport. He represented South Africa at the...

Staff members embraced wellness and camaraderie during the recent Pilates Power Hour sessions, hosted across three campuses. Organised by the Marketing and Communication Department, the initiative gave staff the opportunity to train with experienced Pilates instructor, Garreth Rosenberg. Held at the Wellington, Bellville and...

Durban University of Technology (DUT) congratulates Professor Ferina Marimuthu, Associate Professor and Head of the Department of Financial Accounting, on achieving an NRF C3 rating in 2026, recognising her research contributions and standing among her peers. Prof Marimuthu is the first female NRF-rated researcher in DUT's Faculty...

Can investigating whether molecular patterns in high-risk HPV help identify women whose infections are associated with significant cervical changes? A positive high-risk human papillomavirus (HPV) result identifies a virus with the potential to cause cervical cancer. It does not mean that a woman has cancer, or that she will...

Why would a central bank raise interest rates when the economy is shrinking? For students at the University of the Free State (UFS), the answer came directly from South African Reserve Bank (SARB) Deputy Governor Dr Rashad Cassim, who offered an inside perspective on monetary policy and the difficult decisions involved in managing...

Highlighting the vital link between employee well-being and workplace productivity, MUT hosted its annual Wellness Day on 22 October 2026. The campus event brought together 251 staff members who paused their daily routines to prioritise their personal health, access professional services, and engage in physical fitness activities...

The University of South Africa (Unisa) has strengthened its engagement with African higher education institutions after hosting a high-level delegation from Tanzania for a three-day benchmarking visit focused on open distance e-learning, institutional governance and student success. Held from 20 to 22 October 2026, the visit...

The University of Cape Town's (UCT) Development and Alumni Department (DAD) hosted a celebratory event in honour of students and donors. The Student Donor Appreciation event, held at UCT's Hasso Plattner School of Design Thinking Afrika (d-school Afrika) on Monday, 19 October 2026, reminded guests that giving back goes far beyond...

Four seasons ago, a remarkable streak saw the Baby Wolves move from the lower echelons of the Sasol League to the very top. It took 21 consecutive victories in the country's second-tier competition to qualify for the national playoffs, via the coastal stream and provincial playoffs, and lift the trophy. That was the University of...

The University of the Free State (UFS) is highlighting the growing reach and societal impact of its research through its newly published Research Review 2022-2024, which showcases how researchers are addressing some of the most pressing health, environmental, agricultural and social challenges facing South Africa and the African...

The University of Johannesburg's (UJ) ReaBala Reading Club showcased its reading and communication skills at the 16th annual FundaMzantsi National Competition, held in George, Western Cape, from 28 September to 2 October 2026. Invited by the National Library of South Africa (NLSA), the club joined 298 competing book clubs from...

The University of Mpumalanga (UMP) has taken a decision to discontinue application fees for the academic year 2027 and onwards. The decision was approved by the Council of the University during an ordinary Council meeting held on 29 September 2026. The University took the following into considerations when making the decision...

A R1.35-million refurbishment of the University of Pretoria's (UP) Mamelodi Campus football court has renewed a key community sports facility, creating better conditions for grassroots football and strengthening the link between youth development and access to higher education. The project brought together local development...

For aspiring legal professionals, preparing for the workplace involves more than acquiring legal knowledge and practical skills. It also means being ready to enter courtrooms, attend interviews and participate in professional engagements with confidence. Yet, for students facing financial constraints, something as basic as...

At the AC Jordan public lecture this year, Emeritus Professor Lungisile Ntsebeza will take stock of who the University of Cape Town (UCT) belongs to and how far the institution has come in opening its doors. The lecture - titled "I am going to UCT to open that UCT door and keep it ajar, so that our people too can come in. UCT on...

The future prosperity of the Southern African Development Community (SADC) region lies in the hands of young people. The SADC Council of Ministers, during its meeting in August 2020, directed the SADC Secretariat to operationalise the initiative to recognise and honour the Founders of SADC. The initiative, as approved by the SADC...

Thirty-four police officers have graduated with diplomas in Police Science as the police service seeks to strengthen its response to emerging crimes, including cybercrime. National Commissioner of Police Vusi Masango said the partnership between the University of Eswatini (UNESWA) and the Eswatini Police Academy would equip...

The Minister of Higher Education, Research, Science and Technology, Professor Pierre Gomez, has pledged to address grievances raised by University of The Gambia (UTG) students following a protest over persistent challenges at the university's Faraba Banta campus. Hundreds of students staged a protest at the university's Kanifing...

President John Dramani Mahama has reaffirmed the government's commitment to improving the quality of education in Ghana, particularly in technical and vocational training. He said the focus would be on equipping students with relevant knowledge and practical skills to prepare them for the job market and wider responsibilities as...

Moi University students have appealed directly to President William Ruto to intervene and end the lecturers' strike. They warned that the prolonged disruption is threatening their education, adding financial pressure on families and leaving their academic futures uncertain. The students, led by Moi University Students' Organisation...

From AI literacy to low-cost tablet assembly and industry partnerships, Malawi University of Science and Technology is using technology to tackle practical challenges and expand opportunity. Gavin Allen: How is MUST embedding AI and increased computing capabilities? Prof. Address Malata: Our mandate is to spearhead science...

Morocco plans to more than double its public universities from 12 to 27 as part of a higher education reform that aims to reduce regional disparities and give more students access to university education close to home. Higher Education, Scientific Research and Innovation Minister Azzeddine El Midaoui announced the plan on Monday at...

The Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, has disclosed that the Federal Government is piloting the Entrepreneurial Innovation and Business Incubation Certification programme in 14 universities as part of efforts to equip students with entrepreneurial skills that would enable them to create businesses and employment...

The Vice-Chancellor of the University of Benin (UNIBEN), Professor Edoba Omoregie, has described the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND) as one of the most significant public policy initiatives introduced in Nigeria since independence. Omoregie said the scheme compared favourably with student loan systems in countries such as...

Twenty Somali citizens have secured places at Azerbaijani higher education institutions for the 2026-2027 academic year. The State Agency for Science and Higher Education told Report that the students will pursue bachelor's and master's degrees and medical residency programmes. They will study at Baku State University, Azerbaijan...

The University of Dar es Salaam (UDSM) has marked 65 years of advancing higher education, research and leadership development in Tanzania, using tree planting to renew its commitment to environmental conservation and future generations. The anniversary celebrations, held at the university's main campus on October 25, 2026...

Victoria University concluded its 10th graduation ceremonies this week at Speke Resort Convention Centre in Munyonyo, combining traditional academic celebrations with a focus on artificial intelligence, practical skills and the demands of a technology-driven economy. More than 2,500 students received certificates, diplomas...

A TOTAL of 237 health professionals, comprising 77 general nurses and 160 specialists, graduated from Parirenyatwa Group of Hospitals on Tuesday. All the specialist programmes recorded a 100 percent pass rate. The graduates are expected to contribute to the Ministry of Health and Child Care's target of recruiting more than 50 000...

In a recent speech, the chancellor of the University of Western Australia, Diane Smith-Gander, pointed out there has always been cheating by students at university. The difference today is scale. In the past, cheating was a small problem because of the effort involved: students needed brothers, sisters or friends willing to do...

Hong Kong's planned university towns in the Northern Metropolis megaproject are being designed to attract the world's finest students and scholars, the city's leader has said at a global education summit, as overseas institutions expressed interest but called for partnership incentives. Lawmakers have urged the government to...

India must embrace future technologies, innovate boldly and lead the world in developing them, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said on Tuesday and asserted that the country is moving forward with a new mindset and a renewed self-confidence in the field of science and technology. Addressing the Emerging Science, Technology and...

Iran's Persian Gulf University and Russia's Novosibirsk State University have discussed ways to strengthen scientific cooperation and expand joint research initiatives. During an online meeting, the two universities outlined their respective capacities, explored potential areas of collaboration, and agreed to examine mobility...

Today, the High Court quashed the Minister for Justice Jim O'Callaghan's refusal of a student visa for Shaymaa Abudalu. Abudalu has a full scholarship at University College Cork (UCC) and is set to study Engineering. A new decision is due within 10 working days. Last week, the court heard that UCC had sent documents supporting...

The University of Jordan (UJ) ranked seventh among Arab universities and research institutions for the citation impact of its affiliated researchers and third for the impact of its scientific journals, according to the 2026 Arab Citation and Impact Factor (ARCIF) report. The 11th annual report showed that research published by...

The Higher Education Ministry has assured that admissions to public universities through the open channel will not affect quotas allocated through the centralised UPU system. Minister Datuk Seri Dr Zambry Abd Kadir said open-channel admissions accounted for only a small percentage of intake and were limited to courses with...

Parliamentary Secretary for Federal Education and Professional Training Rabia Naseem Farooqi told the National Assembly on Monday that internships have been made mandatory at universities across Pakistan to provide students with practical experience and improve their employment prospects. Responding to questions during Question...

The Polytechnic University of the Philippines hosted the 39th Annual Conference of the Asian Association of Open Universities from Oct. 22 to 24 at the Heritage Hotel, marking the first time the university served as host of the international gathering. Organized through the PUP Open University System, the conference convened more...

Minister of Education Yousef Al-Benyan discussed prospects for developing Saudi-Turkish cooperation in education, academia, and research during his official visit to the Republic of Türkiye on October 26-27, 2026. The visit aimed to expand partnerships among educational institutions, universities, and research and innovation...

Tuition review committees at South Korean universities will be able to require schools to submit plans showing how they intend to spend the extra revenue generated by tuition increases. Terms for expert members on the committees will be capped at four years, and universities will be required to report follow-up measures on...

Two years ago, Korea expanded eligibility for caregiver visas to international students as it looked abroad to address a growing shortage of caregivers amid its rapidly aging population. Yet the pathway has attracted few applicants, with just 41 international students holding D-2 student visas or D-10 job-seeking visas applying for...

The Ministry of Interior has recently proposed several special preferential policies for talented individuals, including those working in businesses, universities, research institutes, Vietnamese people living abroad, and international experts, in the Draft Resolution stipulating special mechanisms and policies on talent work...