South Africa is forming a national partnership to improve student success in higher education by uniting government, business, philanthropy, and civil society.
The plan, presented at a Johannesburg roundtable, proposes a “national compact for skills and knowledge” to create a more coordinated post-school education and training system. Phillip Tshabalala, chief director for teaching, learning, and research development at the Department of Higher Education and Training, stated the goal is to ensure no capable student is left behind in a rapidly changing job market.
Data-driven improvements
The effort builds on Siyaphumelela, a network led by South African NGO Saide with support from the U.S.-based Kresge Foundation. Since launching in 2014 with five universities, the program has grown to include 20 of South Africa’s 26 public universities, covering about 80% of students in these institutions.
It uses data to enhance teaching, retention, and graduation rates. Results show first-year retention rates above 90% at six of seven participating universities in its second phase, along with throughput gains of up to 15% for three- and four-year degrees. Completion rates for African students within the minimum time have also improved.
Bill Moses, managing director of education at Kresge, described Siyaphumelela as a global leader, noting South Africa had developed one of the strongest national student success networks worldwide. The foundation has invested ZAR338 million in the initiative, though funding will end in 2027, raising concerns about long-term sustainability.
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Access isn’t enough
While South Africa has expanded higher education access—with the National Student Financial Aid Scheme now supporting over 60% of public university students—obstacles remain. Innocent Nkata, Saide’s CEO, explained that access alone does not guarantee success. Many students face unequal schooling, financial instability, hunger, housing insecurity, and limited mental health resources.
“Access without success is simply access to struggling,” he said.
The gap between school completion and university progression highlights the issue. In 2025, 656,000 students passed matric, including 345,000 with bachelor passes. Yet 35% of first-year students do not advance beyond that year. Financial pressure, accommodation shortages, and poor institutional fit often disrupt progress, not a lack of ability.
Tshabalala argued that support must cover the entire student journey, from enrollment to graduation and employment. Durban University of Technology (DUT) SRC President Sihle Nkosi, a part of the initiative, was mentioned as an example of student involvement.
Still, maintaining momentum remains a challenge. Saide is exploring a diversified funding model, including university contributions, government grants, and private-sector investment.
Expanding the network
The proposed framework includes priorities such as equitable access, holistic support, employability, and institutional capacity-building. Siyaphumelela plans to expand to all 26 public universities, with the remaining six—Tshwane University of Technology, University of Limpopo, University of Mpumalanga, University of Zululand, Mangosuthu University of Technology, and University of Fort Hare—already in discussions.
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The network also aims to include Technical and Vocational Education and Training colleges, private institutions, and Sector Education and Training Authorities. Currently, TVET throughput rates are low—only about 40% for the National Certificate (Vocational) program—and just 17% of graduates find employment.
Participants at the leadership forum suggested reallocating institutional budgets and encouraging industry investment to create collaboration among universities. They also emphasized the need to address differences between rural and urban institutions, along with deeper involvement from NGOs and municipalities.
A multi-stakeholder advisory committee is forming to advance the framework, with a dedicated workstream on funding. University alumni networks are being mobilized, and a business-sector meeting is planned for later this year. Kresge’s future support remains uncertain as part of its strategic review.
Tshabalala stated the challenge clearly: “The public is tired of plans that sound good but fail to change people’s lives.” The next phase will determine whether the compact can deliver on its promise—from funding and registration to graduation and employment.
India is also preparing for a surge of foreign university campuses, which could reshape its higher education setting.
