Digital transformation is playing an increasingly important role in reshaping higher education in South Africa, with new technologies influencing how universities teach, support students and address inequality. Recent insights from Prof. Ephrem Redda highlight how this shift is contributing to progress towards Sustainable Development Goal 4, which promotes inclusive, equitable and quality education for all.
Insights from an International Platform
Prof Redda, representing North-West University’s WorkWell Research Unit, recently travelled to Brussels, Belgium, where he presented at the 3rd United Nations Institute for Training and Research International Research Conference held from 3 to 4 December 2025.
His paper, titled “Advancing SDG 4 through Digital Transformation: Building Resilient and Equitable Higher Education in South Africa,” examined how universities can better support students in an increasingly digital academic environment.
For Prof Redda, the conference provided more than an opportunity to share research. It also offered a platform for dialogue and exchange with scholars from across the world.
“What really struck me was how global the room felt. I connected with colleagues from countries like Turkey, the USA, the UK, Uganda, and Zambia, among others. These interactions were inspiring and opened the door to potential collaborations across continents.”
Prof Redda, North-West University
The Impact of the Pandemic on Digital Change
In his presentation, Prof Redda explored how the COVID-19 pandemic accelerated digital transformation across South African universities. While many institutions had already begun integrating digital tools before the pandemic, his research identified ongoing challenges such as limited infrastructure, financial constraints and uneven digital readiness among staff and students.
The onset of the pandemic forced rapid change. Academics upskilled at pace, curricula were adapted for online and hybrid delivery, and technology became central to teaching and learning across the sector.
Rethinking Equity and Access in Higher Education
The rapid shift to digital learning also revealed new opportunities. Prof Redda’s research suggests that digital transformation, when implemented thoughtfully, can support a more accessible and equitable higher education system.
Rather than being solely a technological transition, digital transformation presents a chance for universities to rethink how they engage students, strengthen teaching practices and ensure that vulnerable learners are not excluded.
Lessons from the South African Context
Prof Redda’s findings contribute to a wider global discussion about how higher education systems can become both future-ready and fair. As universities around the world continue to grapple with questions of access, inequality and digital readiness, lessons from the South African experience offer valuable guidance.
His participation in the UNITAR conference also reflects the growing international presence of North-West University’s research community and highlights the institution’s contribution to advancing educational access and quality through research and innovation.
