Universities must shape change and not watch it happen, says USAf CEO at Higher Education Conference
South Africa’s universities cannot afford to stand by as spectators while change happens around them, says Universities South Africa (USAf) Chief Executive Officer Dr Phethiwe Matutu. The sector’s task, she said, is to “shape the future that we want and one that will be in service of society”.
Dr Matutu was giving the official welcome at the opening of the 4th USAf Higher Education Conference, held under the theme “Co-creating a Resilient Future”.
The three-day conference is taking place at the CSIR International Convention Centre in Tshwane and included a keynote address from Mr Buti Manamela, Minister of Higher Education and Training. The event is attended by education leaders including policymakers, academics, researchers, students and industry partners from across South Africa as well as renowned international higher education experts, including a delegation from Russia.
Dr Matutu said she believed that resilience means far more than simply surviving disruption: “It is about renewing institutions, reimagining possibilities and strengthening our collective capacity to shape a future that is equitable, sustainable and responsive to our society’s needs.”
Success depends on an ability to respond effectively to change
She described a sector operating in a complex and rapidly changing environment, under growing pressure, with shifting societal expectations and the ongoing need to transform. Yet universities “possess immense potential to contribute to national development, social progress, innovation and the advancement of knowledge”, she said. “As institutions that educate future generations, generate new ideas and address pressing societal challenges, universities remain essential to shaping our future.”
The sustainability and success of the sector depend on its ability to respond effectively to change, strengthen institutional and sector capacity, and keep advancing transformation. As the strategic partner and collective voice of South Africa’s public universities, USAf is committed to creating an enabling environment in which universities can fulfil their teaching, research and innovation roles, engage with students and contribute meaningfully to society. That, she said, is why USAf hosts the conference every two years, bringing together decisionmakers, academics, researchers and industry leaders to shape the future of higher education in South Africa.
Dr Matutu urged delegates to look past the immediate challenges facing the sector and to engage in a deeper conversation about the future of the university itself – “its DNA”. She asked how institutions could remain credible and relevant, and what universities should look like “in an increasingly digital and interconnected world”.
Critical questions
“How can universities balance excellence with inclusion, innovation with social responsibility, and global competitiveness with local impact?” she asked. “These are among the critical questions that will shape our discussions.”
The programme follows three themes: day one is about understanding the present, day two about reimagining universities, and day three about co-creating the future. Dr Matutu emphasised that the conference serves not only as a platform for reflection but also as a call to action.
“My message to stakeholders is simple.We need to work together, be willing to try new things and build a higher education system that can meet the challenges ahead without leaving people behind.”
She acknowledged the conference sponsors, including the First Rand Foundation along with the delegates, speakers, partners and stakeholders.
“Their insights, experiences and commitment will enrich the dialogue and help chart a constructive path forward for higher education in South Africa and the world.
“As we engage over the course of this conference, may we be inspired by the possibilities that emerge when we work together, challenge conventional thinking and co-create solutions that serve our institutions, our communities and our country for generations to come.”
Janine Greenleaf Walker is a contract writer for Universities South Africa.
