Academics and scholars from institutions across Southern Africa gather to discuss innovative teaching approaches
By Keletso Makgopa | ulpublications@ul.ac.za
The University of Limpopo (UL) and the University of Venda (UNIVEN) jointly hosted the Higher Education Learning and Teaching Association of Southern Africa (HELTASA) Conference under the theme “Under the Baobab Tree”. This event, which united 21 universities, marked HELTASA’s 20th anniversary and provided a platform for academia to share innovative approaches to teaching and learning
The conference served as a symbol of resilience, sustainability, and unity, echoing the Baobab tree’s role as a shelter and gathering space. It offered higher education practitioners a chance to engage in meaningful conversations, exchange insights, and reimagine how to address challenges while embracing opportunities to transform the sector.
Rieta Ganas, Chairperson of HELTASA,
Rieta Ganas, Chairperson of HELTASA, set the stage by reflecting on the symbolic power of the Baobab tree. “HELTASA strives to create a community that celebrates endurance and diversity, much like the Baobab offers shade and shelter,” she said. Ganas called for greater government involvement to support institutional challenges, moving beyond HELTASA’s efforts alone.
Prof Sebi Lekalakala-Mokgele, Deputy Vice-Chancellor for Teaching and Learning at UNIVEN
Prof Sebi Lekalakala-Mokgele, Deputy Vice-Chancellor for Teaching and Learning at UNIVEN, emphasised the importance of fostering spaces for open and inclusive scholarly dialogues. “As educators, we must create environments where voices can contribute freely, unencumbered by traditional hierarchies that suppress creativity and collaboration,” she said. Her remarks highlighted the need for transformative thinking in higher education to empower both educators and students.
Prof Owence Chabaya, Director of the Centre for Academic Excellence at the University of Limpopo, serves as the Chairperson of HELTASA’s Local Organising Committee at UL
Prof Owence Chabaya, Director of the Centre for Academic Excellence at UL, addressed the urgency for innovation in teaching methods to align with the rapidly changing global landscape. “The gap between the pace of change in the world and what is taught in our institutions must be bridged. Our goal is to produce adaptable lifelong learners,” she said, pointing to HELTASA’s initiatives such as the Vice-Chancellor’s Teaching and Learning Excellence Awards as pivotal tools for fostering progress.
Elmien Van Amerom, an Education Consultant at the University of Pretoria, highlighted the critical need for assessment literacy among lecturers. “Assessment should be a continuous cycle of reflection and improvement to ensure it meets educational goals,” she explained. However, she raised concerns about the lack of mandatory assessor training for non-educationally trained lecturers in South Africa, cautioning that this could undermine the quality and effectiveness of assessments.
Prof Richard Madhadze, Deputy Vice-Chancellor for Teaching and Learning at UL, praised HELTASA for its dedication to advancing teaching and learning. He encouraged attendees to think creatively and exchange ideas that could reshape the future of higher education. “Our work is about shaping resilient and innovative minds. Together, we can redefine the educational experience for future generations,” he said.