Dr. Bernard Karabo Sebake new Secretary General of SAASSAP (2025–2028).

Dr. Bernard Karabo Sebake, CUT Dean of Students, has been elected as the Secretary General of the South African Association for Senior Student Affairs Professionals (SAASSAP) for a three-year term from 2025 to 2028.

Dr. Sebake joined CUT’s Student Affairs and Services in September 2024, bringing with him over 22 years of executive leadership and operational management experience in higher education. In his new role, he aims to set a progressive trajectory for the association by strengthening its relevance and influence in addressing the systemic challenges faced by students and the higher education sector at large.

“As I progress in the student affairs and services environment, I view this new role as a recognition of my two decades of dedicated work in this sector. For example, during my tenure as President of the National Association of Student Development Professionals (NASDEV), I focused on maintaining stability and relevance, culminating in a smooth handover in March 2024. This role reflected a national commitment to positioning student development as a critical intellectual space focused on youth development. I am honoured that my election to SAASSAP’s leadership acknowledges this ongoing effort. Facilitating growth within this sector remains a challenging yet fulfilling journey,” said Dr. Sebake.

SAASSAP represents Deans and Directors from all 26 South African universities. Dr. Sebake highlighted, “My election in this position reflects the sector’s confidence in CUT’s reimagined Student Affairs division. The university will leverage this national network to benefit this new phase of renewal and institutional culture development. As SAASSAP pursues excellence, growth, and stability, we are committed to contributing to systemic and sustainable solutions for the sector’s challenges. I am excited about this opportunity and look forward to collaborating with Deans, student bodies, the Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET), the Universities South Africa (USAf), and other social partners on this journey,” he said.

Uploaded: 15 August 2025