During the transformation of South Africa's higher education landscape in the early years of the 21st century, COSALC/SASLI played an important role.

[1] The decision to change the name was taken in order to reinforce the organisation's national commitment and to accommodate a more varied membership.

[8] Further change in the shape of a complete restructuring of the membership structure followed when a special resolution was taken at a General Meeting held on 12 October 2011.

[9] SANLiC is responsible for collective site licensing negotiations on behalf of its members (26 public universities and six research councils) and institutions from other southern African countries who do not qualify for direct membership.

Member voting rights and membership fees are based on a tiered system according to participation.