Sol Plaatje University (SPU) congratulates Professor Dipane Hlalele, Dean of the Faculty of Education, on his appointment to the 7th Umalusi Council for General and Further Education and Training. He was appointed by the Minister of Basic Education, Ms Siviwe Gwarube, for the term 8 June 2026 to 7 June 2030.
Umalusi is the national body that sets and monitors standards for general and further education and training in South Africa, and quality-assures qualifications such as the National Senior Certificate. Appointment to its Council places Professor Hlalele among those entrusted with safeguarding the quality and credibility of the country’s schooling and post-school qualifications.
Professor Hlalele is well placed for the role. A Full Professor and National Research Foundation (NRF) C2-rated researcher who holds a PhD in Psychology of Education, his scholarship focuses on inclusive education, rural learning ecologies and socially responsive education. He has supervised more than 60 postgraduate students to completion, including 38 at doctoral level, and is ranked among the Top 100 Education Scientists in South Africa and Africa by the AD Scientific Index.
His appointment reflects the growing national contribution of SPU’s Faculty of Education and the University’s broader work in education that responds to societal needs. The University congratulates Professor Hlalele and wishes him well as he takes up this national responsibility.
