We were in engrossed in Prof Elelwani Ramugondo's powerful #HELTASA2020 keynote address about the challenge of creating inclusive spaces in the academy in the context of rampant racism in society. Watch her address on our conference webpage at the link: bitly.ws/aRgV

For #HELTASA2020, Prof Yunus Ballim of Wits University gave a rousing address about how a university's culture, which is constructed by its founders and directed by its leaders, determines how students learn. Listen to his insightful speech at the link: bitly.ws/aRgV

“Keynote speaker, Prof Tshilidzi Marwala, shaking our foundations with the implications of #4IR and #AI for higher education.” – #HELTASA2020 delegate, Anthea Adams. Watch Prof Marwala's enlightening speech on our conference webpage here: bitly.ws/aRgV

Despite the pandemic, we achieved so much in 2020 . Some highlights include our SASASA pieces, CLC webinar series and, of course, #HELTASA2020. This year, we are even more committed to transforming #highereducation sector and encourage you to join us. heltasa.org.za/about/membersh…

#HELTASA2020 saw us think critically about our role as academics in empowering our students during these difficult times. Our CLCs led a deeply reflective session about our experiences of #Covid19 in HE where we unpacked some ways this could be achieved. youtube.com/watch?v=kpMSwh…

This Monday, 8 March 2021, HERS-SA, along with Universities South Africa & IEASA_StudySA ,will be hosting a webinar celebrating #InternationalWomensDay. Register by Friday, 5 March to join what will be a riveting discussion on the #IWD2021 theme: #ChooseToChallenge. heltasa.org.za/hers-sa-intern…

We have to create a culture of reading and writing in South Africa. We have to read for our families, communities etc. This month I am reading the book The 12 Who Ruled by R.R. Palmer for the UJ community. I am keen to know...what are you reading this month?

From the Teaching Advancement at University fellowship programme to the CLCs, we promote quality in higher education practice through our various projects. Learn how you can get involved by visiting our website.

Tutors: In case you missed it, we'll be doing a repeat of our webinar sessions specifically designed for tutors UCT #highered #edtech

The theme for the #ICED22 Conference is ‘Sustainable Educational Development’. From 31 May to 3 June 2022, delegates will be deliberating over the role of educational developers in achieving the #UNSDGs. Registration opens in September this year. heltasa.org.za/save-the-date-…

As you may know, HELTASA entered an exciting phase of restructuring in early 2021. We will share more details about the outcome of the reshaping process soon, and invite you to get involved in our planned activities for the year. Until then, please keep engaging with us online.

HELTASA’s main organisational focus is promoting excellence in higher education practice. What do you consider to be the most important skills an educator should have to be an effective teacher?

We have no doubt that #UCTWillRiseAgain as they rebuild from last month’s devastating #UCTFire. We commend the efforts of the firefighters who worked tirelessly to contain the blaze, as well as members of the public and UCT community who continue to offer their support.

We are privileged to have Sisanda Nkoala (PhD) on board as our new media and communications project manager, particularly as we begin an exciting new chapter as an organisation. She is an academic, a gifted storyteller and a former award-winning journalist. Welcome Sisanda!

In light of #AfricaDay, Associate Professor Gilbert Motsaathebe shared with our media & communications project manager, Sisanda Nkoala (PhD), that he sees many opportunities in the difficult, but not insurmountable, challenges that African universities are facing. youtu.be/fdzECiSiV6s

Student leaders have played a pivotal role in catalysing change in #highereducation. This #YouthMonth and beyond, we support our students by responding to their needs, as expressed through their leadership, which enhances their access to learning. universityworldnews.com/post.php?story…

This #YouthDay, we mark the 1976 student uprising by reflecting on the role of educators in encouraging youth to learn. In this snippet of his #HELTASA2020 keynote address, Wits University's Prof Yunus Ballim talks about fostering a love for learning. youtu.be/grGqlfk4TBk

#SaveTheDate! The HELTASA (Un)conference will be held between 6 and 10 December 2021 and is focused on how we should be #DoingAcademiaDifferently. The pandemic taught us that we need to be more responsive to a changing #highereducation context. bitly.ws/fkJa

Our National Extended Curriculum Programme (ECP) Colloquium, which takes place next month, is one step we are taking as an organisation to address the scarcity of ECP scholarship. If you haven’t already, register at the link to attend the colloquium: ecpcolloquium.co.za/registration-2/

As you may know, we will be independently hosting the annual HELTASA (Un)conference this year. Our committee has started preparations and while it’s still early stages, we encourage you to look out for updates, especially our call for abstracts which we will put out soon.