National Association of Distance Education Organisations of South Africa

The National Association of Distance Education Organisations of South Africa (NADEOSA) is committed to promoting access to lifelong learning of high quality. NADEOSA was formed in 1996 out of 58 organisations involved in distance education, including public, private-for-profit and non-governmental organizations.

It aims to provide a forum for South African organisations and individuals who are committed to increasing access to an affordable, cost-effective and quality learning environment in which learners are empowered to become self sufficient members of society.

Its objectives are:

• To facilitate collaboration among distance education and open learning organisations in South Africa.
• To advocate awareness, understanding, and application of distance education and open learning amongst policy makers, practitioners, and learners.
• To promote research and evaluation of distance education and open learning in South Africa.
• To exert influence with regard to adequate policy (including financial support) for distance education.
• To advance the professional interests of distance education practitioners.
• To promote and enhance quality assurance in distance education

An important fact is that NADEOSA does not register or accredit distance education programmes.

Since 2002, NADEOSA has promoted investment in the design and development of quality learning materials through a bi-annual Courseware Awards process or NADEOSA Excellence Awards (2010 will be the next date).

Its web site and publications can be found at http://www.nadeosa.org.za/.