2025 Programme

South Africa: Failed state or Brighter Prospects?
Navigating a lower inflation target locally and waning investor appeal in the USA
Johann Els: Group Chief Economist, Old Mutual Ltd

This presentation explores South Africa’s economic outlook against the backdrop of the “failed state” narrative versus prospects for renewal. It examines the implications of the South African Reserve Bank’s lower inflation target, its impact on growth and monetary policy, and the potential benefits for investors and households. At the same time, it considers global dynamics—particularly the diminishing appeal of US assets as investor sentiment shifts—and how this may create opportunities for South Africa in attracting capital flows. The discussion balances risks and challenges with the structural and cyclical factors that could support a brighter medium-term outlook.

How AI is changing the Financial Sector
Naude Pretorius: Chief Data Analytics Officer, FNB South Africa
An overview of AI in financial services, and how the new wave of Generative AI is changing the landscape. 

Innovation and Technology
Human Centered AI Design: Balancing Innovation and Integrity
Vebashini Naidoo: Chief Data Scientist, SARS

AI is changing the way we work, learn, and make decisions. But how do we ensure these powerful systems are built with integrity and aligned to human values? In this talk, you’ll discover stories of AI at its best and worst and explore practical ways to innovate responsibly.

12h00 -  13h00

Finance and Technology
Exclusive Dance Session: “From Legacy to Innovation, Dance into the Future”

Tyrrell Naidoo, Chief Executive Officer, eGrowth

Join us for a one-of-a-kind fusion of rhythm and revolution where you’ll groove through the evolution of dance to reveal powerful parallels with Campus technology transformations. In this high-energy, hands-on workshop, live choreography will mirror real-world system upgrades, you’ll uncover the hidden costs of standing still on outdated platforms, and you’ll dive into inspiring case studies of institutions that danced their way to seamless, high-impact rollouts.

Supply Chain Management
Procurement Masterclass:
Co-Pilot, Not Autopilot: The Category Management Playbook Rebooted

Robin Golding, Director Procurement and Payment Services, University of Cape Town

Designed for university procurement practitioners, this masterclass shows how category management is evolving to deliver more value for money by pairing business partnering with co-piloted AI insights. We cover simple, practical ways to get quicker insight across categories and make better sourcing decisions.

Facilities Management

The Road to Resource Resilience - University of Johannesburg

Prof Andre Nel, Advisor in the office of the COO
 

Kenny Nkwana. Executive Director: Facilities Management

UJ shares its journey from its merger to a new era of resilience, adapting to supply interruptions, rising costs, and sustainability imperatives. The presentation highlights key initiatives in energy, water, transport, technology and facilities management, showcasing how UJ is building a resource-resilient future on the path to carbon neutrality by 2050.

Innovation and Technology

Gaming the Ethics of AI
Join this interactive, crowd-powered gaming session where your decisions shape the journey! Using your own mobile device, you’ll tackle questions about the ethics of artificial intelligence. Correct answers help our game character move forward and overcome obstacles—wrong answers leave them stuck. Together, you’ll explore real-world ethical dilemmas in AI while having fun in a fast-paced, collaborative game that turns learning into play

Facilities Management
Case study:
Renewable Energy in HEIs in South Africa, a case study at Univen

Simeshni (Sue) Govender; Infrastructure Portfolio Project Director, University of Venda

Kabelo Dire, Contracts Manager, PURCO SA

The adoption of renewable energy is not only a strategic choice but a critical necessity for ensuring the uninterrupted operations of higher education institutions.

This case study highlights the development of a solar power facility at the University of Venda. The project, with an initial capacity of 1 megawatt and designed for potential expansion to 3–5 megawatts, aims to provide a sustainable and environmentally friendly energy solution for the University.

By reducing dependence on conventional energy sources and lowering carbon emissions, this initiative supports both operational resilience and the University’s broader commitment to environmental sustainability.

Innovation and Technology

Cybersecurity case study: A national ransomware attack
Suren Govender: COO, iGuardSA

In January 2025, a major national organisation was the target of a Russian ransomware cyber attack. The disruption limited access to critical services and affected industries that included agricultural, aviation, marine, and disaster management. 

In this session Suren shares insider insights into what happened, and how they assisted the organisation to recover.

Facilities Management

Case Study:
Delivering strong governance and audit compliance

Sipho Ndlovu, Contracts Manager, PURCO SA

This case study highlights how Sedibeng TVET College successfully delivered 20 special infrastructure projects while maintaining full compliance with the requirements of the Auditor-General of South Africa (AGSA).

The session will outline governance measures under the Public Audit Act, PFMA, DHET SCM Guidelines, and National Treasury Regulations, including steps to prevent irregular expenditure, manage special project funds (CIEG), and ensure service providers were paid within 30 days. With all tenders subject to annual audits, the presentation demonstrates how PURCO SA has supported its members in achieving clean audit outcomes, safeguarding infrastructure investments, and strengthening institutional credibility.

For more details visit the Speaker Profile.

Innovation and Technology

Gaming the Ethics of AI

Repeat session to give all attendees a chance to play this fun, immersive game

Join this interactive, crowd-powered gaming session where your decisions shape the journey! Using your own mobile device, you’ll tackle questions about the ethics of artificial intelligence. Correct answers help our game character move forward and overcome obstacles—wrong answers leave them stuck. Together, you’ll explore real-world ethical dilemmas in AI while having fun in a fast-paced,

Innovation and Technology
Transformation in Learning: Celebrating Innovation and Technology. Unlocking the Potential of Education

Tshepo Masigo: Head: Business Development, BCX Cloud and Cyber Security Solutions

Supply Chain Management
SCM Masterclass:
Procurement Bid Committees: Strengthening Supply Chain Governances

Bongani Machobane, Contracts Manager, PURCO SA

Effective procurement in higher education depends on clear governance, accountability, and compliance. This workshop provides a practical deep-dive into the structures and processes that underpin bid committees.
Key areas covered:

• The function, roles, and responsibilities of the Tender Specification Committee (BSC), Bid Evaluation Committee (BEC), and Bid Adjudication Committee (BAC).
• The terms of reference guiding these committees and how they ensure transparent decision-making.
• Managing conflicts of interest, financial authority levels, and delegations of authorisation.
• Understanding and applying the SCM Policy and Procedures, including policies on gifts, declarations, and deviations.
• Strengthening overall SCM governance to improve accountability, efficiency, and compliance with legal and institutional requirements.

Participants will leave with a clear understanding of how to navigate higher education bid committee governance, reduce risks of irregularities, and enhance procurement integrity.

Technology and Innovation as an enabler to Facilities Management.

Ravi Govender, Bidvest Group Business Development Executive

Rika Van Rooyen – Commercial Executive for Bidvest International

Loyiso Jiyana: CSMO, Bidvest Prestige

This session, led by Bidvest executives Ravi Govender, Rika van Rooyen, and Loyiso Jiyana, explores how technology and innovation are transforming facilities management in South Africa. Focussing on IoT applications that optimise hygiene and cleaning while reducing costs the discussion will highlight real-world case studies and pilot projects. Attendees will gain practical insights into how digital solutions enhance customer satisfaction, improve operational efficiency, and support sustainable campus environments.

Maximising Capital Infrastructure Efficiency Grant Funding for TVET Colleges

Vela Mtshali, CEO Bonakude

This session will explore strategies for aligning infrastructure grants with institutional goals to deliver meaningful outcomes for TVET Colleges.

Attendees will learn how to prioritise high-impact projects, develop comprehensive infrastructure and maintenance plans, and manage grants effectively to maximise value and support long-term college objectives.

Conference closes for the day. Visit the Exhibition Hall