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 (2023):
- Professor Bismark Tyobeka (Group Chairperson, and Principal and Vice-Chancellor: North-West University)
- Professor Thoko Mayekiso – University of Mpumalanga
- Ms Elmarie de Beer – North-West University
- Professor Gerald Ouma – University of Pretoria
- Mr Manie Lombard – Stellenbosch University
- Ms Nolwazi Mamorare – University of Johannesburg
- Mr Hardy Maritz — University of Cape Town
- Dr Thelma Louw – University of South Africa
- Dr Phethiwe Matutu – Universities SA (ex officio member)
Priority focus areas for 2023
- Study on the long-term financial sustainability of the higher education sector considering income streams and efficiencies;
- Sustainable financial support for students;
- Funding for student accommodation and other university infrastructure;
- Shared services platform for the broader university sector; and
- Inequalities in the system
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 members within the Higher Education sector and National System of Innovation (NSI).
Members (2023):
- Professor Thoko Mayekiso (Group Chairperson, and Vice-Chancellor, University of Mpumalanga)
- Professor Sinha Saurabh – University of Johanesburg
- Professor Quarraisha Abdool Karim – University of Kwa-Zulu Natal and CAPRISA
- Professor Thabo Msibi – University of KwaZulu-Natal
- Professor Jose Franz — University of the Western Cape
- Dr Bernard Nthambeleni — University of Venda.
- Prof Deresh Ramjugernath – Stellenbosch University
- Prof Jesika Singh – University of Limpopo
- Professor Sue Harrison – University of Cape Town
- Prof Stephanie Burton – University of Pretoria
- Dr Phethiwe Matutu – Universities SA (ex officio member)
Priority focus areas for 2023
- Innovation and entrepreneurship;
- Research impact;
- Cooperation and collaboration on internationalisation (funding opportunities); and
- Engaged science and scholarship.
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 (2023):
- Professor Thandwa Mthembu (Group Chairperson, and Vice-Chancellor, Durban University of Technology)
- Dr Henri Jacobs, Director: Work Integrated Learning & Skills of Central University of Technology
- Professor Derrick Swartz, Special Advisor to the Minister of Higher Education, Science and Innovation and former Vice-Chancellor of Nelson Mandela University
- Dr Engela van Staden, Vice-Rector: Academic; University of the Free State
- Dr Colin Thakur, Director: InSETA Research Chair in Digitalisation; Durban University of Technology
- Professor Tshilidzi Marwala, Vice-Chancellor of the University of Johannesburg
- Professor Sibusiso Moyo, Deputy Vice-Chancellor: Research, Innovation & Engagement of Durban University of Technology
- Dr Phethiwe Matutu – Universities SA (ex officio member)
Priority focus areas for 2023
- Impact of new technologies on the labour market;
- Work Integrated Learning (WIL) and Internships;
- Entrepreneurship Development in Higher Education;
- Fourth Industrial Revolution;
- Graduate Destinations.