The purpose of SASEE
The South African Society for Engineering Education (SASEE) serves as an inclusive and collaborative community for all who are committed to advancing engineering education, including academics, students, industry collaborators, community partners, and professional organisations. The purpose of SASEE is to foster meaningful connections across the engineering education ecosystem both within South Africa, across the continent of Africa, and beyond, which includes:
- strengthening the connection between educational practice and engineering education research.
- improving relationships between university lecturers and an increasingly diverse and digitally-engaged student body by facilitating the sharing of effective practices and addressing common challenges.
- better alignment between higher education institutions and industry for improved graduate readiness.
- promoting student interest in engineering, from school through to higher education.
This purpose is achieved through:
- Providing platforms for sharing research and practice that improve teaching, curriculum, and student experience.
- Creating inclusive forums and networks where all voices – from undergraduate students to deans, from industry to community partners – can engage in meaningful dialogue.
- Advancing high-quality engineering education research and promoting awareness of this research as a field of scholarship.
- Recognising and promoting outstanding teaching and leadership in engineering education and supporting educators at all stages.
- Facilitating connections in higher education with industry, government, and professional bodies to align engineering graduate competencies with societal and workplace needs.
- Creating opportunities for students to lead, contribute, and co-create with educators and partners.
- Encouraging conversations that highlight engineering education’s role in sustainable development, social justice, and national transformation.
2025-2027 SASEE BOARD
Following the Biennial General Meeting (BGM) of the South African Society for Engineering Education (SASEE) on Wednesday, 19th Nov 2025, during the joint SASEE conference in Gauteng, we welcome the election of the new board members.
Prof Karin Wolff (SU)
Prof Manimagalay (Maggie) Chetty (CPUT)
Prof Lelanie Smith (UP)
Prof Bruce Kloot (UCT)
Dr Teresa Hattingh
Prof Kasongo Didier Nyembwe (CPUT)
Prof Bronwyn Swartz (CPUT)
Prof Tania Hanekom (UP)
Mr Thabang Ngwenya (UP)
SASEE Special Advisors
Prof Jenni Case (VT, USA)
Prof Brandon Collier-Reed (UCT)
Prof Deborah Blaine (SU)
Dr Keith Jacobs (Independent)
Affiliations
The International Federation of Engineering Education Societies (IFEES) brings together engineering education societies, industry, students, government, funding agencies, and other Science and Technology stakeholders around the globe to network and develop unique and extraordinary initiatives to enhance engineering education.
The International Federation of Engineering Education Societies works to: establish and promote effective engineering education processes to assure a global supply of well-prepared engineering graduates; enhance the participation of diverse groups in the engineering education community; and promote the value of engineers and the engineering profession to science, engineering and technology communities and the general public around the world.
Members of the International Federation of Engineering Education Societies gain valuable opportunities for participation and development of international collaborative programs and projects that allows Societies to have significant influence in global engineering education, and to make positive contributions in promoting excellence in engineering education around the world.
For further information on IFEES go to: www.ifees.net
The Engineering Council of South Africa (ECSA) is a statutory body established in terms of the Engineering Profession Act, 2000 (Act No. 46 of 2000). ECSA’s predecessor was established by the Engineering Profession of South Africa Act, 1990 (Act 114 of l990).
ECSA sees itself in partnership with the State and the engineering profession to promote a high level of education and training of practitioners in the engineering profession so as to facilitate full recognition of professionalism in the engineering profession, both locally and abroad. It enjoys full autonomy although it is accountable to the State, the profession and the public for the fair and transparent administration of its business in the pursuit of its goals.
However, in pursuing this goal, ECSA has an implied responsibility to ensure that the interests of the profession (the practitioners) are also promoted. The interest of the public and the country can only be served properly if a profession is healthy and strong. For this reason, ECSA promotes the well-being of the voluntary societies which are active in engineering. Since the societies are the instruments through which the interests of the practitioners are served, a good balance between “public interests” (ECSA) and “own interests” (Societies) should be maintained.
For further information on ECSA go to: www.ecsa.co.za