Tag: HigherEducation

In this captivating collection of essays, Professor Tinyiko Maluleke invites readers on a journey. The journey begins with his eventful boyhood in Soweto. It continues through his life-changing upbringing in Limpopo. His heartfelt reflections on mothers, grandmothers and aunts stand at the centre of his story. He also explores their roles in his childhood and in the upbringing of his peers. In doing so, he highlights how these women shaped heroes and heroines across communities.

The legal profession is generally known to be demanding, relentless and, at times, unforgiving. From the point of entry into law school, excellence is expected, and resilience is tested. Purpose is often deferred in favour of survival. In my own experience as an admitted legal practitioner of the High Court of South Africa and as a law lecturer, I have come to the considered view that the sustainability of the legal profession depends not merely on technical expertise.

Growth rarely announces itself with fanfare. More often, it begins as a quiet restlessness and a sense that who you are at work no longer matches who you could become. As such, returning to study reshapes not only skills and knowledge, but also confidence, perspective and professional identity. Reflection, continual learning and academic rigour translate into sharper strategic thinking, bolder leadership and greater impact in the workplace.

Professional advancement is increasingly shaped by decisions around education. Qualifications signal capability, open doors and promise career progression, yet their value is often assessed too narrowly. Beyond remuneration, education carries costs and returns that unfold over time. These factors influence professional mobility, leadership access and long-term relevance.

Higher education institutions face cybersecurity challenges that differ from those in many other sectors. These challenges shape how universities approach tackling cyber threats in complex environments. The major risks facing South African universities include ransomware, phishing, data breaches and insider threats. Institutions also depend heavily on third parties and face a significant cybersecurity skills gap.

Quick fixes are failing. Businesses invest in short courses and certificates. They expect transformation, yet return to the same problems months later. This cycle reveals a deeper issue. It points to a fundamental misunderstanding of what prepares leaders for complexity.

South Africa’s higher education system is entering one of its biggest shake-ups in recent memory. For the first time, private universities that meet stringent quality and governance standards could soon be recognised on par with public universities. This is according to the Department of Higher Education and Training’s (DHET) new draft Policy for Recognition of South African Higher Education Institutional Types.