The South African Council on Higher Education is an independent statutory body established by the Higher Education Act, No. 101 of 1997. The CHE as the Quality Council for Higher Education advises the Minister of Education on all higher education issues and is responsible for quality assurance and promotion through the Higher Education Quality Committee (HEQC).

Shaped by its mission, vision and values, the work of the CHE is guided by its Council and the HEQC and directed by the Chief Executive Officer.

The Higher Education Quality Committee (HEQC), is the CHE's one permanent committee which has executive responsibility for quality promotion and quality assurance in higher education. The HEQC is led by an Executive Director, with a Deputy Director responsible for coordinating the work of the HEQC with that of the higher education institutions and for relations with stakeholders in general.

For a description of the CHE's responsibilities and the composition of the CHE secretariat, read the overview.