The CHE is an independent statutory body established in May 1998 as provided for by Section 4 of the Higher Education Act (Act No. 101 of 1997, as amended), and it also functions as the Quality Council for Higher Education in terms of the National Qualifications Framework Act (Act No 67 of 2008, as amended). It is a Schedule 3A national public entity in terms of the Public Finance Management Act (Act No. 1 of 1999). The Higher Education Act (Act No.101 of 1997, as amended), mandates the CHE to: • advise the Minister responsible for higher education and training on any aspect of higher education at the request of the Minister; • arrange and co-ordinate conferences; • promote quality assurance in higher education, audit the quality assurance mechanisms of higher education institutions, and accredit programmes of higher education; • publish information regarding developments in higher education, including reports on the state of higher education, on a regular basis; and • promote the access of students to higher education institutions.