In the face of a rapidly evolving digital landscape, many higher education institutions remain anchored to systems that, while dependable, were built for a different era. These legacy platforms have often grown organically over decades, shaped by evolving needs and constrained budgets. But as the pace of change accelerates—with artificial intelligence (AI), cloud computing, and advanced analytics at the forefront—the cost of standing still is becoming harder to ignore.
EDUCAUSE, in their 2024 piece Digital Transformation 2.0: The Age of AI, highlights a new chapter in the journey of digital maturity. They argue that institutions can no longer afford to simply digitise existing processes; instead, the conversation is shifting toward how to reimagine them entirely. It’s no longer about going paperless—it’s about being data-led, agile, and student-centred.
In Southern Africa, universities are grappling with tightening budgets, stretched human resources, rising expectations, and increasingly complex administrative demands. These pressures are unlikely to ease. What’s needed isn’t a complete abandonment of existing systems, but a strategic, well-planned shift towards platforms that support better decision-making, automation, and scalability.
Some institutions have already started this journey, exploring how AI can support predictive analytics for student success, or how modern ERP systems can offer better visibility and control over academic and financial operations. These are not just technological upgrades—they represent an opportunity to redesign how universities engage with their students and staff.
The challenge, of course, is that change feels risky—especially when legacy systems “work well enough.” But in a world where students expect seamless, personalised digital experiences, and data is key to navigating uncertainty, relying on outdated tools could quietly undermine long-term sustainability.
Now is the time for universities to be bold but measured. By piloting new technologies, focusing on user experience, and investing in platforms designed for the future, institutions can ensure they remain relevant and resilient. The goal is not to disrupt for the sake of disruption, but to build the kind of agility that modern higher education demands.
The future isn’t waiting. And neither should we.