To give effect to the implementation of the HESA’s strategy, an annual operational plan is developed with inputs, activities, outputs and outcomes. The activities and outputs are organised accordingly to the three roles as follows:

• Policy analysis and strategic research
• Advocacy and stakeholder influence
• Sector support

The operational plan outlines projects and initiatives in line with the three roles. Below follows the focus of each of the roles.

Policy Analysis and Strategic Research

The focus of this role is as follows:

• To strengthen the existing Higher Education knowledge base.
• To actively participate in, and influence the direction of, policy development. 
• To monitor and evaluate the current policy and regulatory environment particularly in terms of alignment. 
• To generate position papers that are useful and accessible to Higher Education leaders and decision-makers. 
• To develop policy analyses that are relevant and authoritative on key Higher Education issues. 
• To facilitate sector discussion and expert input to these issues by relevant networks. 
• To provide up-to-date and factual information for and about South African Higher Education institutions.

Advocacy and Stakeholder Influence

The focus of this role is as follows:

• To increase the level of public awareness of the benefits provided by the sector, opportunities they create and the challenges they face with key audiences (government, business and the public) through a strategic communication strategy
• To develop and strengthen networks, partnerships and relationships with key Higher Education organisations and stakeholder constituencies. 
• To provide up-to-date and relevant information for and about South African Higher Education. 
• To advance the sector's interests. 
• To facilitate and promote an understanding of HESA's work within institutions. 
• To position HESA as a leader in shaping the national Higher Education policy and regulatory agenda.

Sector Support

The focus of this role is as follows:

• To support Higher Education Institutions in the advancement of their missions (teaching, research and community service).
• To design and implement initiatives to develop capacity at institutions. 
• To improve the resources (human, financial and technological) available to institutions through economies of scale and scope. 
• To represent and advance the sector's interests through participation in national structures. 
• To promote and facilitate partnerships, collaboration and information sharing between institutions and with other organisations. 
• To provide up-to-date and relevant information for and about South African Higher Education to enhance decision-making.