The Registrars’ Imbizo is an annual event bringing together Registrars across South African universities to engage on various issues impacting the higher education sector. During 21-22 August 2023, Rhodes University welcomed the Imbizo to its campus for the first time, with Registrar Professor Adéle Moodly as the host.

Registrars across South Africa’s universities engaged extensively on pertinent issues ranging from the impact of NSFAS decisions and challenges on the university sector to panel discussions on higher education governance, current trends within the academic project, and the implications for academic administration and processes.

Mr Neil Kramm, Professor Maggie Blackie and Dr Nicola Pallitt from Rhodes University’s Centre for Higher Education Research, Teaching & Learning, presented the impact of artificial intelligence (AI) on teaching, learning and assessments, stating that the university sector needed to navigate AI and the possibilities and opportunities that it presented.

Extensive deliberation occurred around matters pertaining to visa challenges (fielded by Department of Home Affairs representative, Mr Phindiwe Mbhele) and examination bodies, as illustrated by the CEO of South African Comprehensive Assessment Institute (SACAI), Mr Keith Maseko, the CEO of the Independent Examinations Board (IEB), Ms Confidence Dikgole and Mr Hilton Visagie of the Department of Basic Education (DBE).

Robust discussions were held on National Senior Certificate (NSC) examination results’ release dates and the impact on the education sector. The Imbizo was not only an opportunity to share knowledge and invite expertise on various matters but also a platform for networking, collaboration and self-development.

In her welcoming remarks, Rhodes University’s Deputy Vice-Chancellor of Academic and Student Affairs, Professor ‘Mabokang Monnapula-Mapesela stated that the Imbizo was “more than just a gathering”; it also served “as a catalyst for meaningful conversations and shared insights”. She challenged Registrars to use their “transformative power to work with stakeholders and ensure that our institutions better support students’ experience of higher education”.

In his message from Universities South Africa (USAf), Director: Operations and Sector, Mr Chief Mabizela, stated that he had “come to appreciate that complexity is a standard for the offices of Registrars”. In this regard, “the office of the Registrar requires re-definition and re-design in the legislation, which must also translate to institutional statutes”. 

Besides the annual Imbizo, there is also a Registrars’ Forum, of which Professor Moodly is an executive member. At this Forum, collegiality within the university sector is also strengthened. Sectoral matters of priority, as identified at the Imbizo, will be further discussed via this body and USAf.