4. Summary of presentations 4.1 Overview of HESA as an Organisation (constitution, mandate, priorities and challenges) Prof A Bawa, Chairperson of HESA, led the presentation which highlighted the following key issues: * HESA was formed on 09 May 2005 and was the successor to the South African Universities Vice-Chancellor Association (SAUVCA). HESA represented 23 public universities and was a Section 21 company, non- statutory, and the membership of universities was voluntary. * The board consisted of 23 Vice-Chancellors (VCs) and the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) and it met thrice per year. Its main role included the approval of strategic and operational plans, budget and higher education matters. * HESA's work was organised into three core functions, namely, policy analysis and strategic research, advocacy and stakeholder influence and sector support. * The major projects and initiatives of HESA included; building the next generation of academics, the Rural Campuses Connection Project, and the contribution of Higher Education to the economy. * The challenges of HESA included; developing a self regulation framework for the sector, developing HESA's position on the differentiation of the HE sector and managing sub-voices within HESA for the common good of the sector.