Funding Strategy Group (FSG)
The Funding Strategy Group provides strategic direction to the Board and EXCO on strategic university funding matters, and engages with policy matters in this regard. It also advises the Board on projects to be undertaken by Universities South Africa and implementation strategies related to Higher Education funding.
Members (2020):
- Prof Tawana Kupe (Group Chairperson, and Vice-Chancellor: University of Pretoria)
- Prof Rob Midgley – Walter Sisulu University
- Prof Kupe Tawana – University of Pretoria
- Ms Elmarie de Beer – North-West University
- Dr Gerald Ouma – University of Pretoria
- Mr Manie Lombard – Stellenbosch University
- Mr Manie Regal – University of the Western Cape
- Mr Hardy Maritz — University of Cape Town
- Prof Ahmed Bawa – Universities SA CEO (ex officio member)
Priority focus areas for 2020
- Study on long-term financial sustainability of the higher education sector;
- Sustainable financial support for students;
- The national Fee Regulatory Framework
- Updating of regulations for reporting, including dashboard financial indicators for the sector;
- Updating of the Higher Education Price Index; and
- Funding for student accommodation and other university infrastructure.
Research and Innovation Strategy Group (RISG)
The Research and Innovation Strategy Group provides the Board with specialised advice regarding research and innovation matters in the sector. It works through task teams and steering committees to undertake or direct certain projects and draws expertise from among its membership within the Higher Education sector and National System of Innovation (NSI).
Members (2020):
- Prof Thoko Mayekiso (Group Chairperson, and Vice-Chancellor, University of Mpumalanga)
- Dr Chris Nhlapo – Cape Peninsula University of Technology
- Prof Eugene Cloete – Stellenbosch University
- Prof Corli Witthuhn – University of the Free State
- Prof Refilwe Phaswana-Mafuya – North-West University
- Prof Deresh Ramjugernath – University of KwaZulu-Natal
- Prof Stephanie Burton – University of Pretoria
- Prof Zeblon Vilakazi – University of the Witwatersrand
- Prof Ahmed Bawa –Universities SA CEO (ex officio member)
Priority focus areas for 2020
- Ethical research;
- Open science and open access;
- Building platforms for collaboration across the sector;
- Transformation and capacity development;
- Funding for postgraduate studies and research;
- Doctoral training centres; and
- Research infrastructure including cyberinfrastructure
World of Work Strategy Group (WSG)
Established during 2018, this group advises the USAf Board and the member institutions on changes and trends in the world of work and their implications on the mandate and obligations of the Higher Education sector. Among other functions, the group explores and considers the trends and implications on the world of work towards 2030 and beyond. It will influence world-of-work-related policies by leading on formal engagement with regulators, and also with industry and other employers of graduates. It will identify issues of mutual interest or concern to public universities and initiate work on USAf’s position papers, or formulate and provide position papers as and when mandated by the Board of Directors to do so.
Members (2020):
- Prof Henk de Jager, Chairperson, Vice-Chancellor of Central University of Technology
- Dr Henri Jacobs, Director: Work Integrated Learning & Skills of Central University of Technology
- Prof Derrick Swartz, former Vice-Chancellor of Nelson Mandela University
- Dr Engela van Staden, Vice-Rector: Academic of University of the Free State
- Dr Colin Thakur, Director: NEMISA KZN e-Skills CoLab of Durban University of Technology
- Prof Tshilidzi Marwala, Vice-Chancellor of University of Johannesburg
- Professor Sibusiso Moyo, Deputy Vice-Chancellor: Research, Innovation & Engagement of Durban University of Technology
- Prof Ahmed Bawa, Universities SA CEO (ex officio member)
Priority focus areas for 2020
- Impact of new technologies on the labour market
- Work Integrated Learning (WIL) and Internships
- Entrepreneurship Development in Higher Education
- Fourth Industrial Revolution
- Graduate Destinations