Nelson Mandela University (NMU) will host The Education Collaborative’s Southern Africa Hub Convening from 14 to 16 January 2026 in Johannesburg, bringing together higher education leaders from across the region.
Held under the theme “Strengthening Student Development in Higher Education in Southern Africa: Centring Purpose, Belonging, and Impact,” the convening will focus on improving student outcomes and reimagining higher education systems in Southern Africa.
The Education Collaborative is a consortium of African higher education institutions working together to transform institutional systems, strengthen regulation, and enhance student success across the continent.
Executive Director Rose A. Dodd said the network aims to make a significant impact: “By participating in the network, institutions enhance their ability to improve graduate outcomes and elevate standards across the sector, contributing to our vision of positively impacting over 1.1 million students by 2030.”
The Southern Africa Hub is led by Dr Naziema Jappie, a recognised leader in student experience and success with more than 30 years in educational leadership.
Key discussions at the convening will explore collaboration for sustainable student success, strengthening student support systems, integrating academic and co-curricular learning, and empowering students as co-creators of their educational journeys.
Similar themes were raised at the Eastern Cape Higher Education Sector National Dialogue Launch, hosted by NMU on 1 November 2025.
Speaking at the dialogue, NMU Deputy Vice-Chancellor Professor Azwinndini Muronga emphasised the urgency for transformation in higher education, calling for collaboration across academia, government, business and communities to prepare future graduates, entrepreneurs and leaders for a rapidly changing world.
Source: nmu.co.za
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