The National Framework for Enhancing Academics as University Teachers (NFfEAUT), identifies six imperatives for enhancing academics as university teachers, one of which is to ensure that academics are recognised and rewarded for the work that they do as university teachers. In 2019, the National University Teaching Awards (NUTA) was established by a subcommittee of South African University Teachers (SAUT) . NUTA is a collaboration with various stakeholders represented on the National Coordinating Committee (NCC). In recognising and celebrating exceptional teaching and learning across universities in South Africa, awards are made to higher education teaching and learning specialists in three categories: beginner teachers; experienced teachers and teaching collaboration teams.

Awardees are required to demonstrate their contributions, including leadership and innovation in teaching and learning. The Minister of Higher Education and Training or its nominee will be its patron and will host the award ceremony annually.

• Recognise innovative teaching at a national level
• Inspire academic leadership in teaching and learning
• Acknowledge transformative, contextually responsive practices