Welcome to HELTASA (Un)Conference 2024
The HELTASA (Un)Conference 2024, co-hosted by the University of Limpopo and the University of Venda, aims to address key challenges and opportunities in Southern African higher education. Under the theme “Under the Baobab Tree,” it fosters holistic, innovative approaches for inclusiveness, equity, and sustainability. Participants are invited to share experiences and insights, celebrating HELTASA’s 20th anniversary.
HELTASA AND THE UNIVERSITY OF LIMPOPO AND UNIVERSITY OF VENDA INVITE YOU!
Co-hosted by the University of Limpopo and the University of Venda, the HELTASA (Un)Conference 2024 aims to foster conversations, contributions, and insights around how higher education practitioners in Southern Africa can address both current challenges and opportunities to transform higher education learning and teaching contexts. Within Southern Africa, higher education is facing issues relating to funding, equity of access, decolonisation, language, student marginalisation, throughput, attrition, and graduate unemployment. On a global scale, climate change, war, staff burnout, mental health (staff and students), and generative artificial intelligence have led to questions about the relevance and responsiveness of higher education. Moreover, several questions remain on how higher education institutions can foster inclusiveness, equity, and diversity, and how our students can be empowered for a sustainable future.
Come join us “Under the Baobab Tree” to collectively share insights and practices around transforming higher education’s learning and teaching contexts. The mighty baobab tree (a symbol of the province of Limpopo) has inspired countless African narratives and serves as a symbolic haven within a diverse ecosystem. It provides a place where stories are not only shared but also born. Celebrating 20 years of HELTASA at our (Un)Conference, let us collaboratively explore the practices that enable each of us and our collectives to make a difference in and with our higher education contexts. These dialogic relations can help us to shape the future of Southern African higher education. The (Un)Conference 2024 theme Under the Baobab Tree: Nurturing holistic and innovative approaches in higher education learning and teaching contexts emphasises the importance of holistic approaches in higher education that promote positive contributions to enhance learning, teaching, scholarship, and broader societal transformations. The University of Limpopo and the University of Venda, as co-hosts, invite you to submit a proposal and join us for the HELTASA (Un)Conference 2024!
Venue and Accommodation
The conference will take place at The Protea Hotel Ranch Resort in Polokwane. We have reserved a limited number of rooms at the conference venue and these will be provided on a first come first serve basis.
Accommodation is available but limited at the hotel; there are some hotels and resorts available within 15 km of the conference venue. Shuttle services can be arranged if it is required.
Emai address: reservations@theranch.co.za, reservations2@theranch.co.za and form@theranch.co.za
Tel: (015) 290 5000
Fax: (015) 290 5050
Some of the accommodations include:
- Dinoko
- Polokwane Royals
- Tiveka Game Lodge
- Polokwane Protea Landmark Hotel
- Town Lodge Polokwane
- Meropa Hotel Sun International
- Tented Camp, Protea Ranch Resort
- University of Limpopo Residence accommodation
Call for Proposals
The HELTASA (Un)Conference 2024 seeks participants to share ideas, thoughts, research studies, and engage with each other in one of the following formats:
SUBMISSION OF PROPOSALS
Proposals are to be submitted via Oxford Abstracts by 30 September: Click Here for Submission
Please include the following information when you submit a proposal:
- Proposal Title (not more than 15 words)
- Presenter and co-presenter information
- Relevant sub-theme:
- Interdisciplinary approaches in learning and teaching in higher education
- Empowering higher education students for a sustainable future
- Fostering inclusiveness, equity and diversity in higher education
- Digital transformation and innovation in higher education
- Health and well-being of students and higher education practitioners
- Format: Oral presentation, lightning talk, poster, creative presentation, critical dialogue
- Presentation mode: In-person or online
- Proposal (Up to 500 words + up to 5 keywords)
- Engagement questions: 2 questions for engagement with participants (What questions have emerged or still remain? What do you want to discuss further?)
Download Call for Participation
Timeline
Important Dates:
Due date for submission of proposals: 30 September 2024
Feedback on proposals: 15 October 2024
Registrations close: 31 October 2024
Due date for payment: 15 November 2024
Upload of presentations: 22 November 2024
HELTASA (Un)Conference 2024: 26 – 29 November 2024
Conference Fees
In-Person (Polokwane):
- R5000.00 (including vat)
- Registration package includes an (Un)Conference bag, tea/coffee, lunch vouchers and the gala dinner. It also includes the HELTASA membership fee for 2025.
Online:
- R2000.00 (including vat)
- Registration package includes participation in the online platform as well as a social networking event for virtual participants. It also includes the HELTASA membership fee for 2025.
Please note the above registration fees do not include any travel and accommodation costs and arrangements.
Queries and Further Information
If you have any inquiries about the HELTASA (Un)Conference 2024 please email:
If you have any queries about HELTASA contact Ms Nomfundo Siqwede:
Registration
IMPORTANT NOTICE BEFORE REGISTERING TO THE CONFERENCE
Disclaimer:
- The conference committee cannot be held liable for registration termination and cancellation thereof.
- The participant will only be fully registered for the conference once proof of payment is uploaded.
- Any photos and videos may be used on the conference Website and the University´s social media and emails.
Online registration is open, Click here
