The history of CHEC
CHEC was one of a number of regional consortia established in the 1990s. It remains the only one still in existence and is continuing to thrive and grow from strength to strength. Key events in its history are highlighted below:
Key Milestones of CHEC’s development (1993 – 2022)
1993
Formation of Western Cape Institutions Trust (known as ADAMASTOR TRUST), focusing on institutional support, sharing resources, promoting equity
Prof Jim Leatt appointed CEO
Establishment of Cape Library Consortium (CALICO) to provide a networked library automation service for each member of the consortium and common access to the Online Public Access Catalogues (OPACs) of each
1996
Publishing Liaison Office (PLO) formed to provide copyright clearance services for study materials
1997
By 1997 we were pursuing a more systemic approach to regional collaboration that moved us beyond infrastructural projects such as library automation. A strategic vision statement was adopted that read:
“Through the establishment of a co-ordinated, cost-effective regional system, to promote quality higher education in the Western Cape which is responsive to historical realities and challenges, with an extended influence beyond the region.”
2001
The five Vice Chancellors sign a Public Compact, with a new vision focusing on the knowledge economy, equity, cost-effective and high-quality higher education
Adamastor Trust re-named the Cape Higher Education Consortium (CHEC)
2003
CLE Creating the Leading-Edge middle management capacity development programme
2005
Merger of Peninsula Technikon and Cape Technikon into Cape Peninsula University of Technology
2006
Memorandum of Understanding with Western Cape Provincial Government, focusing on quality higher education and regional economic development
2007
Establishment of Joint Task Team to coordinate collaboration between CHEC and the Western Cape Government
Ms Nasima Badsha appointed as CEO
2008
Establishment of Standing Committee to coordinate collaboration between CHEC and the City of Cape Town
2010
Launch of Quality Teaching in Higher Education (QTHE) Programme
2014
Launch of Postgraduate Diploma in Higher Education (Teaching and Learning) in terms of an MoU between CPUT, SU and UWC
2015
CHEC becomes a member of Accelerate Cape Town
2017
Prof Martin Oosthuizen appointed as CEO
2018
Establishment of Cape Higher Education Library Network (CHELiN) to coordinate shared library services (CHELiN replaces CALICO)
2020
Creation of a new CHEC Strategic Focus Area for Higher Education Innovation
Implementation of CHEC Dual Higher Education Project
Implementation of Andrew Mellon Foundation funded project on decoloniality
2022
CEE Creating the Executive-Edge senior management capacity development programme