The 30th National Association of Student Development Practitioners (NASDEV) Best Practice Summit, held at the University of Cape Town from 24 to 27 June 2026, brought together higher education leaders, student affairs professionals and practitioners from across South Africa under the theme, "30 Years of Positioning Student Affairs for Impact: Reflecting on the Past, Present and Envisioning the Future."

The milestone gathering provided an opportunity to reflect on the evolution of Student Affairs over the past three decades while exploring innovative, integrated and transformative approaches to strengthening student development, enhancing the student experience and advancing student success.

The North-West University (NWU) was among the institutions represented at the summit, with four colleagues contributing to the national conversation by sharing the university's expertise, innovative practices and experiences in student support, practitioner development and student success. Their participation highlighted the NWU's ongoing commitment to excellence in Student Affairs and its contribution to shaping the future of higher education.

Building coordinated student support ecosystems

Dr. Corrie Rheeder, campus chief director with the assigned function of the Potchefstroom Campus, together with LeRoux Malan, senior manager of Student Communities, Leadership and Residence Life, and Juan-Ri Schutte, manager of the Student Leadership Academy and Development, presented a session titled "Moving from Isolated Services to Coordinated Student Support Ecosystems."

Their presentation explored how meaningful student success and a positive student experience are achieved when universities move beyond fragmented support structures towards integrated ecosystems. They demonstrated how academic, operational, professional and student development units can work collaboratively towards shared institutional goals. Drawing on practical examples from the NWU, they showcased approaches that strengthen multidisciplinary collaboration, coordinated case management, early identification of student needs, streamlined referral pathways, and recognition frameworks that acknowledge students' co-curricular achievements.

Prioritising practitioner well-being

Lerato Wana, acting director of Student Life with the assigned function of the Mahikeng Campus, participated in the panel discussion on "Psychosocial, Mental and Financial Well-being." 

Lerato's presentation emphasised that the well-being of Student Affairs professionals is not simply a personal responsibility, but a strategic institutional priority that should be embedded within university planning and decision-making. She highlighted that supporting the professionals who care for students is essential to sustaining high-quality student support services. This includes fostering a healthy organisational culture that addresses workload, role clarity, stress, emotional fatigue and financial pressures, ultimately enabling practitioners to continue making a meaningful impact on student success.

Leading national conversations

Through their active participation in discussions and thought-provoking questions, the NWU delegation demonstrated the university's commitment to integrated student support, effective leadership and evidence-informed practice:

• How is the professional development of Student Affairs practitioners governed to ensure compliance with professional standards and continuous professional development?
• How do we redefine the role of the Student Affairs practitioner in an increasingly complex higher education environment?
• How do we know whether our interventions are truly cultivating long-term student wellbeing and success?
• Are we making students partners in our student success, experience or support programmes, or are they merely participants or observers in those programmes?

These questions serve as a call to action for the higher education sector, reinforcing that the future of Student Affairs depends not only on innovative ideas but on collective commitment, integrated practice, governed policies, and measurable evidence-based impact.

As the Student Affairs profession continues to evolve, NWU remains committed to a shared vision of creating thriving student communities where every student has the opportunity to succeed academically, personally and professionally.

NWU Delegation Attending

Back: Juan-Ri Schutte, Chris William, Andiswa Msi, Lerato Wana, Makhoto Mosikidi, Charmaine Molosioa, LeRoux Malan, Tshediso Tom, Kabelo Mofulatsi 

Front: Nkateko Shabangu, Dr. Corrie Rheeder, Funani Mabala

Front: Muzomuhle Mhlongo (NASDEV President), Mmangakane Mmako (NASDEV Gauteng Region Coordinator), Juan-Ri Schutte (Manager: Student Leadership Academy), Lerato Wana (Acting Director: Student Life, Mahikeng Campus), Dr Corrie Rheeder (Campus Chief Director: Potchefstroom Campus), LeRoux Malan (Senior Manager: Student Communities, Leadership, and Residence Life), Buntu Mnyaka (Senior Manager: Student Life and Development Unit)

Gala Dinner

Tshediso Tom, Kabelo Mofulatsi, LeRoux Malan, Juan-Ri Schutte, Charmaine Molosioa, Funani Mabala