About Us
NAISA is a formal alliance of associations that represents independent schools in South Africa. NAISA members are national associations of independent schools. A national association is an association that has member schools in more than one province.
Our Vision
To be the unified voice of the NAISA Associations, advocating for policy provision and implementation which supports independent education in South Africa in fostering excellence, innovation, and inclusivity and empowering learners and educators to thrive in a dynamic global landscape.
About Naisa
NAISA is a formal alliance of independent school associations that represent approximately 1 500 independent schools in South Africa. NAISA members include national associations that have specific criteria for member schools. Among the key criteria are valid registration with the provincial Department of Education, accreditation with Umalusi, and a commitment to providing quality education for all learners. NAISA also has as members associations that are faith-based and/or follow a specific educational philosophy.
A national association is an association that has member schools in more than one province.
The alliance serves the interests of independent schools and facilitates communications with the Department of Education and other bodies on matters of common interest and concern.
The NAISA committee is comprised of representatives mandated by its member associations.
The Alliance is founded on the principles of inclusivity and consensus while also respecting the individual identities of each association and allowing for disassociation. Given the rapidly changing nature of the independent school sector, the NAISA Constitution also allows for flexibility in membership and procedures, enabling the full diversity of the sector to be reflected.
Who are we?
The National Alliance of Independent Schools Associations is an umbrella body which represents the interests of associations of independent schools in South Africa.
The key objects of the Alliance are to:
- consider and develop joint positions on national issues of concern to its Members and the independent schools sector generally throughout South Africa;
- represent the collective interests of its Members throughout South Africa;
- advocate, liaise, consult, and/or negotiate on issues of concern and/or interest to its Members with the national and provincial education authorities and other relevant statutory bodies, institutions of higher education and relevant stakeholders in pre-primary, primary, secondary and/or pre-tertiary education;
- promote the independent schooling sector generally throughout South Africa;
- contribute, as far as may be practicable, to the provision of quality education for all in South Africa.
Our Mission
Advocate for Quality Education: To promote and uphold the highest standards of education in independent schools through collaboration, representation, and resource-sharing.
Advocate for Policy Implementation: To actively advocate for the effective implementation of all policy provisions for independent schooling, especially those regarding the determination and payment of subsidies, in order to support sustainable education delivery.
Promote Diversity and Inclusivity: To create a supportive network amongst associations which embraces diverse educational philosophies, cultures, and communities, enabling them to promote and uphold equitable access to educational opportunities.
Engage Stakeholders: To foster meaningful partnerships with JLCs and policymakers, as a means of addressing challenges, while building a sustainable future for independent education in South Africa.
Empower Associations: To provide guidance, professional development, and support that enable schools through their respective NAISA association and JLCs to achieve operational excellence and educational innovation.
Advocate for Policy Change: To advocate for educational policies that enable the unique contributions and addresses the needs of the independent school sector.
Interested in Joining NAISA?
Associations of registered independent schools may apply to join NAISA, provided they have schools in more than one province in South Africa. Enquiries may be directed to the Secretary-General, Mr. Ebrahim Ansur – email: secretary@naisa.co.za