Championing Excellence in University Teaching in South Africa
South African University Teachers (SAUT) strengthens the role of teaching in higher education by supporting academics in their growth as professional teachers. Through professional development, recognition, and knowledge-sharing, we create an environment where teaching is valued alongside research, ensuring that every student has access to excellent teaching and the best chance of success.
The National Framework for Enhancing Academics as University Teachers (NFfEAUT) was developed by representatives from universities across South Africa. The Framework was approved in 2018 by the Minister of Higher Education and Training, Naledi Pandor, and is implemented as part of the University Capacity Development Programme (UCDP).
To oversee the implementation of the Framework, a National Coordinating Committee (NCC) was established in 2019. The NCC comprises representatives from all public universities, the Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET), Council on Higher Education (CHE), Universities South Africa (USAF) and the Higher Education Learning and Teaching Association of South Africa (HELTASA).
In 2020 the NCC discussed the possible projects that it could lead at a national level to strengthen university teaching across the sector. The projects were submitted and approved by DHET.
The National University Teaching Awards (NUTA) recognise innovative teaching and learning in higher education at a national level.
2025 NUTA Awards
After 2 days of rigorous debate amongst the NUTA adjudicators, the following are the outcomes:
Individual Awards:
Dr Jean-Pierre Basson
- Nelson Mandela University – Experienced Teacher Category
Prof George Hull
- University of Cape Town – Experienced Teacher Category
Dr Meghan Finn
- University of Johannesburg – Beginner Teacher Category
Prof Andrew-John Bethke
- University of KwaZulu-Natal) – Experienced Teacher Category
Dr Vusi Mshayisa
- Cape Peninsula University of Technology -Experienced Teacher Category
Team Awards:
Prof Yolande Heymans and five colleagues
- North-West University
Prof Karin Wolff and eight colleagues
- Stellenbosch University
Commendations::
Prof Gerrit Crafford
- Nelson Mandela University – Experienced Teacher Category
Prof Anri Human
- University of Pretoria – Experienced Teacher Category
The awards and commendations will be presented at the annual NUTA Awards Gala Dinner on 21 November 2025. Winners will receive a monetary prize of R60 000.00 each together with a trophy, recognising not only excellence but providing substantial support for their continued professional development.
Guiding Philosophy
Good teaching is a vital contributor to student learning and success.
Work of an academic involves being a teacher and a researcher.
Improving university teaching and learning must take into account the needs of academics at all levels, of teacher leaders and of professional support staff.
Adequate resources are essential, the greatest barrier to good teaching is ideology.
Teaching can be advanced when the discipline and the people involved identify and address their own teaching development needs.
Time needs to be allocated to professional development activities.
Teaching development professionals need to be able to develop their own capacity and careers.
Universities that place students at the centre of their work are characterised by a pedagogy of care, and are underpinned by a strong social justice agenda.
Good teaching is grounded in a deep understanding of a discipline.
Professional development activities for university teachers and the professionals who support teaching development need to be available across the career continuum.
Teaching role is often more fully embodied in a team than in an individual.
Professional development cannot be imposed but must be undertaken by the person concerned.
Recognition and reward system can contribute positively to teaching development.
