18–19 September 2026 | Durban, KwaZulu-Natal
The Education Management Association of South Africa (EMASA), in partnership with the Matthew Goniwe School of Leadership and Governance (MGSLG) and Sci-Bono, hosted its Annual International Conference from 18–19 September 2026 at the Southern Sun Elangeni & Maharani Hotel in Durban, KwaZulu-Natal.
The conference was held under the theme “Education at the Edge: Leading Education Institutions that are Responsive, Equitable, and Future-Focused.”
The conference brought together education leaders, managers, academics, policymakers, researchers and practitioners to engage in critical conversations about the changing education landscape.
It provided an important platform for participants to share research, experiences, innovative practices and practical approaches aimed at strengthening leadership and management across the education sector.
Central to the conference discussions was the need for education institutions to respond effectively to rapid technological developments, including Artificial Intelligence (AI), digital transformation, persistent inequality and changing societal expectations.
These developments require education leaders to continuously strengthen their knowledge and leadership approaches to ensure that schools and other education institutions remain relevant, inclusive and responsive to the needs of learners and communities.
MGSLG CONTRIBUTES TO THE KNOWLEDGE AGENDA
MGSLG was well represented at the conference by experienced education professionals who shared insights aimed at improving the quality of education in South Africa and beyond.
The following MGSLG staff members presented papers on these topics:
- Dr Lindiwe Ginya presented “Breaking the Chain: Leadership Strategies for Reducing Systemic Inequality in Under-Resourced Schooling Contexts”.
- Ms Khosi Ntuli presented “Human-in-the-Loop Artificial Intelligence for FET Readiness in Gauteng No-Fee Schools: Towards Inclusive and Context-Responsive Digital Transformation”.
- Mr Xolisa Luthi presented “Inequality in Special Needs Education: Identification, Assessment and Placement Delays in Ekurhuleni North District, Gauteng”.
- Ms Nozipho Xulu presented “Strong Beginnings: Reimagining the Foundation Phase for Diverse Learner Needs”.
- Mr Andile Qodashe presented “The Accountability Imperative: Leadership, Governance and Educational Excellence”.
- Mr Paul Kgobe and Ms Ntshuxeko Makhathini presented “Leadership Under Fire: Beyond Skills and Competencies in Educational Leadership Development Outcomes”.
Through presentations, research papers, case studies, policy perspectives and professional discussions, delegates had an opportunity to explore approaches that can contribute towards building resilient and future-focused education institutions.
The conference also created opportunities for education stakeholders to exchange good practices, establish professional networks and strengthen partnerships between researchers, policymakers and practitioners.
EMASA, working in collaboration with MGSLG, has a long-standing commitment to strengthening education management and leadership. Their conferences provide a platform for education managers and leaders to share expertise and experiences while helping to bridge the gap between educational theory and practice.
STRENGTHENING PARTNERSHIPS FOR EDUCATION LEADERSHIP
The partnership between EMASA and the Matthew Goniwe School of Leadership and Governance further demonstrated the importance of collaboration in developing capable and responsive education leaders.
By bringing together stakeholders with different experiences and areas of expertise, the conference encouraged collective reflection on how leadership can contribute towards improved educational outcomes, greater equity and stronger education institutions.
The two-day conference ultimately reinforced the importance of responsive, equitable and future-focused leadership in navigating the complexities facing education today.
As technologies, learner needs and society continue to evolve, education leaders must be equipped to embrace innovation while keeping quality teaching, learning, inclusion and educational transformation at the centre of their work.
The conference therefore served not only as a platform for knowledge sharing, but also as an opportunity to strengthen collaboration and inspire education leaders to contribute towards building an education system that is resilient, innovative and prepared for the future.