22 February 2026
The People vs Higher Education
20 March 2026 | 09:00–16:30 | Hybrid (In-person & Online) Jointly presented by the Western Cape Government and CHEC
Higher education stands at a crossroads. Rapid advances in artificial intelligence, shifting labour markets, growing inequality, fiscal pressures, and rising public scrutiny have placed universities under intense examination. But is the current system fit for the future it claims to prepare students for? HE on TRIAL places higher education metaphorically in the courtroom, not to condemn it, but to interrogate it with courage, evidence and intellectual honesty.
Through a structured courtroom-style format, the event unfolds in three acts:
ACT I – The Indictment
Examining governance, policy and system design Questioning the academic project Interrogating the AI, technology and skills mismatch.
ACT II – The Defence
Reframing higher education as a public good Exploring its societal, economic and democratic value.
ACT III – The Verdict
Identifying five structural, system-level priorities for redesign Charting a forward-looking transformation agenda.
This high-level dialogue will convene policymakers, university leaders, academics, industry partners and civil society to move beyond rhetoric toward practical redesign.
The outcome of the day will inform a forthcoming White Paper and 2026–2030 Transformation Framework, providing strategic direction for regional higher education renewal.
Why attend?
- Engage in an intellectually rigorous, evidence-based debate
- Contribute to shaping the next phase of higher education reform
- Connect with leaders across government, academia, and industry
- Be part of a defining regional conversation
Limited in-person seating. Online participation available. Register via this link.