Governance

The Board of Universities in South Africa comprises the 26 Vice-Chancellors of our member universities. The Board is responsible for our strategic direction as an organisation. They ensure the sustainability of the organisation and that we adhere to the required governance practices. The Board shapes and approves policies and our position on higher education matters. The Board meets three times per year.

The Chairperson of the board is elected for a period of two years, renewable only
once by another two years.

Current Chairperson: Dr Francis Petersen (1 Jan 2024-31 Dec 2025)

USAf board 2024

In broad terms, the mandate of the Executive Committee of Universities South Africa is as follows:

• The Executive Committee’s primary function is to exercise and have all the powers of the Board of Directors in the management of the organisation and its affairs during the intervals between meetings of the Board of Directors;
• The Committee shall, between regularly scheduled meetings of the Board, transact routine administrative matters that require Board approval as such issues arise;
• The Executive Committee shall report regularly to the Board of Directors; and
• The Executive Committee shall take such other actions and have such other duties as may be delegated from time to time by the Board of Directors.

Executive Committee (EXCO) 2024

Universities South Africa performs its functions at various levels: at the macro level through its governance structures such as the Board of Directors, Executive Committee and Advisory Structures. At the micro level, Universities South Africa functions through an office located in Pretoria.

Representatives of South Africa’s public universities play a vital role in the governance structures of Universities South Africa. Here they contribute to the sound, transparent and effective functioning of the organisation.

This committee reviews the integrity of all major risks and internal control systems. It oversees:

• Financial reporting;
• Systems of internal control and management of financial risk; and
• Processes of audit and monitoring compliance with financial laws and regulations

Members (2024):

• Mr Saleem Kharwa – Chairperson, Durban University of Technology
• Ms Faiza Majiet – Stellenbosch University
• Mr Shai Makgoba – University of Cape Town
• Mr Sizwe Nyenyiso – Nelson Mandela University
• Professor Willem de Villiers – Stellenbosch University

This committee oversees Universities South Africa’s financial strategy and policy and the establishment and performance of internal controls at the office’s operational level. It also ensures overall compliance with the investment strategy as approved by the Board.

Members (2024):

• Professor Willem de Villiers – Chairperson, Stellenbosch University
• Mr Eminos Manyawi – Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University
• Mr Manie Regal – University of the Western Cape
• Dr Reshma Mathura

This committee oversees Universities South Africa’s HR strategy and policy. Its responsibilities are to:

• Establish and maintain policy for competitive, fair, equitable and market-related compensation policies;
• Plan to attract, motivate and retain talent;
• Review annual remuneration packages of Universities South Africa employees and recommends adjustments where necessary; and
• Advise the Board on any human resources related matters within the Universities South Africa Office.

Members (2024):

• Prof Xoliswa Mtose – Chairperson, University of Zululand
• Mr Victor Mothobi – Stellenbosch University
• Dr Vuyo Mthethwa – Durban University of Technology
• Ms Nandipha Sishuba – Nelson Mandela University
• Dr Kgomotso Kasonkola – University of Witwatersrand

This is the only committee with a statutory function. This Committee advises not only the Board but also the Minister of Higher Education and Training on the regulation of minimum requirements for admission into higher education.

Its responsibilities are to:

Develop and maintain optimal strategies of admissions regulation in the transition period between the current Senior Certificate and the future National Senior Certificate;
Monitor and report on system readiness, enrolment trends, policies and ‘best practice’ benchmarking and equivalence setting activities;
Approve the budget and annual financial statements of the Universities South Africa Higher Education and Enrolment Programme; and
Recommend exemption certification application fees to the Board for approval.

Members (2024):

• Professor Sizwe Mabizela – Chairperson, Rhodes University
• Professor Cheryl Foxcroft – Nelson Mandela University
• Professor Kwena Masha – University of Limpopo
• Professor Sarah Howie – Stellenbosch University
• Dr Dan Mokoena – Durban University of Technology
• Ms Carol Crosley – University of the Witwatersrand
• Dr Cila Myburgh – University of Pretoria
• Dr Ronel Retief – Stellenbosch University
• Dr Abbey Mathekga – University of Pretoria
• Mr Mahlubi Chief Mabizela — ex officio member, USAf
• Ms Annie Viljoen – Convenor, USAf
• Dr Michael Mushaatoni – Observer, Technological Higher Education Network South Africa (THENSA)
• Shirley Ferndale – Observer, SA Private Higher Education (SAPHE)
• Dr Mafu Rakometsi – Observer, from Umalusi

In addition to the above Governance Committees, the Board constituted a Legal Advisory Committee whose purpose it is to provide legal advice and/or input to Universities South Africa to respond to legislation, regulations and policies affecting the university sector. The Committee reviews the legislation and policies with implications for the universities sector, and provides inputs and comments to the organisation in order to enable the latter to effectively promote the interests of the sector and fulfill advocacy and related responsibilities.

Members (2024):

• Professor Rushiella Songca – Chairperson, Walter Sisulu University
• Mr Dries Pretorius– University of Johannesburg
• Ms Sue Smailes– Rhodes University, representing the Legal Practitioners’ Forum
• Dr Nita Lawton-Misra – University of the Western Cape
• Mr Hugh Amoore – Retired Registrar
• Mr Shervaan Rajie – University of the Western Cape
• Professor Caroline Nicholson – University of Pretoria
• Mr Edgar de Koker – Nelson Mandela University
• Mr Deochund Mothilall – University of Zululand
• Mr James Botha – North-West University
• Dr Phethiwe Matutu – CEO of USAf (ex-officio member)
• Ms Thulisile Dladla – Secretary