Abstract
Organisations are experiencing immense changes due to numerous challenges posed by the global environment, and higher education institutions (HEIs) are no exception. Some of these dynamics are more prominent than others as they alter the industry landscape, or in this case, the higher education sector landscape. These prominent dynamics or influences, due to their strategic nature, are referred to as strategic drivers. The purpose of this study was to explore and obtain more clarity on the influence of leadership as a strategic driver for South Africa HEIs. In this qualitative study, semi-structured interviews were conducted among 17 senior management staff members from public and private HEIs. The data from the interviews were analysed with the assistance of Atlas.ti. From the themes that emerged, leadership as an internal strategic driver was confirmed. Leadership is crucial to HEIs in South Africa, and within the neoliberal economy, HEI leaders will have to remain well-grounded academics with good management skills – not only effective managers without a good academic background.