UKZN Hosts SAASSAP Executive Committee for Strategic Planning Workshop

The University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN) recently hosted members of the South African Association of Senior Student Affairs Professionals (SAASSAP) National Executive Committee (NEC) for a two-day strategic planning session.

The session focused on reflecting on progress, refining strategic priorities, and finalising a three-year plan to guide the association’s programmes, partnerships, and advocacy work.

SAASSAP is a national professional association that brings together deans, directors, and senior managers responsible for student affairs and related portfolios across 24 South African universities. Formed in the early 2000s as a platform to strengthen leadership, professional practice, and collaboration within the sector, SAASSAP has become a trusted voice in shaping the national agenda on student success, transformation, and ethical governance in Higher Education.

UKZN’s Dean of Student Services, Professor Percy Sepeng, said SAASSAP plays a vital role in shaping a compassionate and student-centred Higher Education system. He noted that, through collaboration with the Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET), Universities South Africa (USAf), and international partners such as the International Association of Student Affairs and Services (IASAS) and NASPA (Student Affairs Administrators in Higher Education), the association is building a community of professionals committed to ethical leadership, inclusion, and student success.

“Our recent workshop at UKZN was a reminder that leadership in student affairs is about hope, humanity, and integrity, and about ensuring that every decision we make contributes to a more caring and responsive university environment. The purpose was to reflect on our progress, refine our strategic priorities, and shape a three-year plan (2025-2028) that will guide the association’s programmes, partnerships, and advocacy work,” added Sepeng.

He said the workshop produced several key outcomes. These included a refined vision and mission for the association; agreement on five strategic focus areas – leadership development, ethical governance, advocacy, professionalisation, and partnerships; a roadmap for implementing and monitoring of the 2025–2028 Strategic Plan; and a renewed commitment among members to work collectively to strengthen the student experience across the country.

SAASSAP’s vision is to advance ethical, transformative, and professional student affairs leadership that enhances student success and well-being across the Higher Education landscape. The association exists to support the individuals who help students, ensuring that every learner can thrive academically, socially, and personally within South African universities.

SAASSAP’s next gathering will be its annual general meeting and leadership conference scheduled for the 2026 academic year. During this event, progress on the new strategy will be reviewed and new initiatives launched.

Words: Sithembile Shabangu

Photograph: Supplied