CHEC develops and administers support initiatives at the request of the member universities. Current institutional support consists of two sub-focus areas: Shared facilities and services and the Higher Education Leadership Academy (HELA).
Copyright Clearance Management
Publishing Liaison Office (PLO)
The PLO functions as a one-stop copyright clearance management and related services solution for access to teaching and learning materials on behalf of the four universities in the Western Cape. The PLO is authorised to clear and manage the reproduction of copyright-protected materials for non-commercial, educational purposes under the respective universities' blanket or transactional licence agreements in deliberation with the Dramatic, Artistic and Literary Rights Organisation (DALRO).
The PLO also clears copyright with various other rights holders when required, while also directing the proper use and clearance of materials under Open Access, public domain, GNU General Public Licences or Creative Commons licence agreements. Lecturers and administrative staff can register and submit copyright permission requests directly on the PLO's management system.
Copyright Clearance Management System
Other activities of the PLO include:
- Creating an awareness of the copyright laws of South Africa
- Facilitating compliance with copyright laws and relevant authorities
- Negotiating reasonable fees for the use of materials from various copyright holders
- Participating in institutional forums and training that shape copyright policies and guidelines
Higher Education Leadership Academy (HELA)
The CHEC Higher Education Leadership Academy is proud to present you with the programmes we will be offering in 2026. These programmes are the result of our continued scanning of the environment and the feedback we receive. All public and private HEIs are invited to participate.
HELA offers a comprehensive portfolio of programs, strategically designed to support staff at every stage of their career — from emerging researchers and middle managers to executive leaders, researchers and those transitioning into retirement.
We provide a clear pathway for participation and provide support for the complex Higher Education system using HELA's unique co-creation model.
We use a structured approach towards the development of individual or institutional mental models, developing critical thinking and creating effective and efficient leaders.
2026 Programmes
- ARS Programme — Academic Research Supervision
- ASP Programme — Academic Staff Programme
- CEE Programme — Creating the Executive Edge
- CLE Programme — Creating the Leading Edge
- OPUS Programme
How to register
To register, participants should follow the link below. We will then reach out to the universities to confirm participation.
How to register
To register, participants should follow the links as provided below. We will then reach out to the universities to confirm participation.
Academic Research Supervision Programme
Creating a capacity development programme for university research supervisors is an essential strategy to enhance their skills, enabling them to guide students more effectively. The programme focuses on building both technical and soft skills across various areas such as leadership in mentoring, project management, communication, and ethical supervision.
Critical Conversations
Purpose: The CHEC Critical Conversations is designed as a forum for engagement across the four universities and our strategic partners in the Western Cape on critical issues and discourses in SA HEIs. We recognize that the academic landscape has become increasingly complex and that answers need to be found for problems that previously did not exist. In this way, the CHEC Critical Conversations will provide our regional universities with an opportunity to share ideas and contribute to regional higher education innovation by discussing our strategies and lessons learnt.
Cost: Attendance of the Critical Conversations is free.
Publications
Critical Conversations in Higher Education
Editor: Prof René Pellissier
Reimagine higher education in an era of disruption and transformation. Higher education in South Africa stands at a critical juncture. Confronted by widening inequality, the digital revolution, systemic injustices, and shifting global and local expectations, universities are being called to radically rethink their purpose, structures, and practices. This book is a response to that call.
COVID-19 Management and Responses: Lessons Learnt for the Future
Editor: Prof René Pellissier
Book DOI: https://doi.org/10.52779/9781991260031
The book deals with teaching and learning and management issues and in an effort to formulate lessons learnt for future discontinuity in the HE domain.
The book is available for download from the following platforms:
- Google (e-book) — free
- Takealot (printed) — R380
- ITSI (e-book)
- Amazon (printed)
- ASM (printed) — orders@africansunmedia.co.za
Contact
Prof René Pellissier — Rene.pellissier@chec.ac.za
Ms Sisipho Zweni — sisipho.zweni@chec.ac.za