DAY
1 - 22 October 2025
New Code of Work
08:00 - 09:00 REGISTRATION & REFRESHMENTS
09:00 – 09:05 MODERATOR’S WELCOME | Mokoena Moloto, Corporate Moderator & MC and Founder, Brave Voices
09:05 - 09:10 ORGANISERS INTRO| Ralf Fletcher, Chief Executive Officer, Topco Media
09:05 - 09:15 HOST PROVINCE ADDRESS | Nonnie Kubeka, Executive Director, Gauteng Convention and Events Bureau
09:15 - 09:45 KEYNOTE ADDRESS |Survive the AI Apocalypse: From Fear to Solutionism
Join Bronwyn and Sharon Pearce for a thought-provoking keynote inspired by their new book, Survive the AI Apocalypse In this dynamic session, they unpack how individuals and organisations can turn anxiety about AI disruption into action by embracing innovation, building resilience and shaping a future where humans and technology thrive together.
Speakers:
● Bronwyn Williams, Futurist, Economist & Business Trends Analyst
● Sharon Pearce, Chief Solutionist, FreshVision
09:45 - 10:00 MINISTER’S ADDRESS|Unlocking Jobs and Enterprises in the Digital Economy
In this keynote, the Minister explores how the rise of the digital economy can be a powerful driver of employment, entrepreneurship and economic growth
Discover how strategic policies, skills development and infrastructure investment can transform creative talent into sustainable businesses turning content creators, freelancers and innovators into thriving employers who contribute meaningfully to South Africa’s economy
People, Platforms and Progress: Human-Centered Innovation
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10:00 - 10:40
Hosted by SALGA
PANEL DISCUSSION |The Future Public Servant: Skills, Mindsets and Leadership for 2030
As the public sector faces increasing pressure to deliver faster, smarter and more inclusive services, the role of the public servant is undergoing a profound transformation This panel explores what it will take to succeed in government by 2030. From digital literacy and systems thinking to emotional intelligence, agility and a deep commitment to ethical leadership Public servants must be equipped not just with technical skills, but with adaptive mindsets and a future focused approach to problem-solving and service delivery
Moderator: Pindiwe Gida, Chief Officer: Human Capital & Corporate Service, SALGA
Panellists:
● Dr. Dan Raseluma, Senior Advisor: HR, Labour Relations and Dispute Resolution, SALGA
● Makgopelo Mkhwanazi, Human Resources Executive, National Health Laboratory Services
● Walter Xaba, Deputy Director HR, Midvaal Municipality
10:40 - 10:55
As we move into the 5th Industrial Revolution, success lies in designing environments that empower employees to do meaningful, high-value work. Discover how organisations can create people-centric workplaces by leveraging AI-driven Automation and AI-powered analysis for improved productivity.
Speakers:
● Duncan Pope, Business Unit Manager, 4Sight Holdings
*=Invitedspeaker/notconfirmedorcommittedasyet
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● Clark Fourie, Financial Director, XFour Solutions
11:40 - 11:55
Hosted by Franklin Covey
11:55 - 12:10
Hosted by eStudy
FIRESIDE CHAT |Leveraging Human Capabilities in a Human-Machine Partnership
The most significant opportunity in the modern workplace is not automation, but augmentation, the powerful synergy of human intuition and machine intelligence This session moves beyond the fear of AI replacing jobs to a strategic blueprint for designing roles and workflows where humans and machines collaborate to achieve what neither could alone
Speaker: Marlinie Ramsamy, CEO, Franklin Covey
POWERTALK |The Skills to Impact Model
In this session, Gerhard Visser introduces the Skills to Impact Model © a practical framework for turning learning into sustained performance. As organisations face increasing disruption from artificial intelligence, the conversation is shifting from short-term upskilling to long-term capability building. As a use case, Gerhard will show the Future Proof Skills Academy, a learning initiative inspired by the World Economic Forum’s call to prepare the global workforce for the AI era. The Academy addresses not only technical skills, but also legal, ethical, and human-centric competencies from soft skills to role-based AI readiness.
Speaker: Gerhard Visser, Capability Strategist, eSTUDY
12:10 - 12:30
Hosted by NMG Benefits
FIRESIDE CHAT|From Insight to Impact: A Top-Down, Bottom-Up Approach to Employee Wellness
In this fireside chat, HR leaders will discover how to decode what employees truly value - beyond perks and paycheques - and take decisive action to implement wellness programmes that work as hard as their people By combining diagnostics, surveys, wellness benchmarking, and financial health checks, organisations can uncover employee needs, identify gaps, and focus on what drives real impact This top-down, bottom-up approach transforms insights into action, enhancing engagement, productivity, and retention, while giving HR a clear roadmap to embed wellness into strategy, not just policy
*=Invitedspeaker/notconfirmedorcommittedasyet
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Panellists:
● Geoff Baars, Chairman & CEO, NMG Benefits
● Hambisani Mahlangu, CEO, EmpowerFin
12:30 - 13:05 PANEL DISCUSSION | |Closing the Capability Gap: Building Tech-Confident Talent for the New-Collar Economy
As AI, cybersecurity and automation redefine the contours of work, the rise of the “new-collar” workforce presents both a challenge and an opportunity for forward-looking organisations. Success in this evolving landscape demands more than technical proficiency, it requires cultivating tech confidence: the mindset and capability to engage with emerging technologies in real time. This panel explores how leading enterprises are strategically pairing agile learning models with cultures that foster experimentation, curiosity and continuous innovation
Panellists:
● Zizile Lushaba-Nyawo, Human Capital and Skills Development Executive, SEIFSA
● Dr Rajas Pillay, HR and Transformation Executive, HRSENSE
● Joseph Rock, Executive Head: People and Performance, Exxaro Resources
13:05 - 14:00
*=Invitedspeaker/notconfirmedorcommittedasyet
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14:00 - 14:35 PANEL DISCUSSION |Optimising Algorithms to Strengthen Workplace Culture
As AI and HR technology reshape recruitment, the real challenge isn’t just finding talent, it's finding the right talent for your organisation’s culture This panel explores how HR leaders can optimise algorithms and digital tools to identify candidates who align with core values, team dynamics and long-term organisational goals. From tailoring recruitment processes to integrating cultural insights into AI systems, learn how to use technology strategically to strengthen your workforce and reinforce a thriving workplace culture.
Panellists:
● Dr Sean Kruger, Senior Lecturer: Centre for the Future of Work, University of Pretoria
● Kyle G. Chetty, Head of People, Planet42
● Naomi Molefe, Leadership & Talent Innovation Consultant
14:35 - 15:10 PANEL DISCUSSION | Are You Game? Betting on a New Way of Learning
Today’s emerging workforce has grown up with instant access, personalisation and interactivity and they expect the same from workplace learning This panel explores how L&D teams can evolve their strategies to meet the needs of digital natives, using bite-sized content, gamification, social learning and mobile-first platforms to deliver training that’s relevant, engaging and effective. Discover how to future-proof your learning culture by speaking the language of the next generation.
Panellists:
● Elmé Selesho, Senior People & Learning Experience Consultant, Signify Software
● Milcah Iwisi, Head of Business Enablement, Regenesys Corporate Education
● Sally Nhlanhla, CEO, Rekindle Learning
*=Invitedspeaker/notconfirmedorcommittedasyet
NB:Notethatthis Programmeissubjecttochangewithoutnotice
15:10 - 15:30 FIRESIDE CHAT |Skills Intelligence: The New Currency of Great Cultures
As technology reshapes the world of work, organisations must move beyond static job roles and adopt a dynamic, data-driven approach to workforce planning. This panel explores how “skills intelligence” the ability to map, assess and anticipate workforce capabilities in real time is emerging as a critical driver of productivity and innovation. By leveraging AI, analytics and internal skills platforms, leading companies are identifying skill gaps, optimising talent deployment and unlocking new growth opportunities.
Panellist: Lerato Morathi, Executive: Human Capital – Growth Markets, Alexforbes
15:30 - 15:35 Moderators Closing Remarks & Refreshments
*=Invitedspeaker/notconfirmedorcommittedasyet
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DAY
2 - 23 October 2025
New Code of Work
08:00 - 09:00 REGISTRATION & REFRESHMENTS
09:00 – 09:20 MODERATOR’S WELCOME | Mokoena Moloto, Corporate Moderator & MC and Founder, Brave Voices
09:20 – 09:35
KEYNOTE ADDRESS | Human Sustainability as the Foundation for Talent, Trust and Transformation
In a world of constant disruption, evolving employee expectations and rapid digital transformation, organisations can no longer focus solely on short-term performance metrics. The future of work demands a shift toward human sustainability: a long-term commitment to enhancing worker well-being, fostering trust and creating environments where people can truly thrive. Discover how companies can embed human sustainability into their leadership, culture and operating models.
09:35 - 09:50 DEPUTY MINISTERS ADDRESS | Building a Workforce Ready for the Digital and Green Economy
In this keynote, the Deputy Minister of Higher Education and Training explores how higher education, vocational training and industry can work together to close the gap between what learners are taught and what the future economy requires From embedding digital literacy and green competencies into curricula to fostering lifelong learning and public–private collaboration, this discussion will highlight practical strategies for building an adaptable, future-ready workforce equipped to thrive in the digital and green transition
Colouring Outside the Lines: Rethinking Workplace Norms
09:50 - 10:20 PANEL DISCUSSION | Work Meets the Creator Economy: Balancing Employment, Monetisation and Influence
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As the creator economy reshapes the modern workforce, organisations face a pivotal inflection point Employees are increasingly building personal brands, monetising content and engaging in digital entrepreneurship, blurring the lines between employment and influence This panel explores the strategic implications of this shift, from intellectual property and reputational risk to talent retention and organisational identity Let's examine how forward-thinking companies are evolving their frameworks to accommodate dual-value creation, where employees contribute both within and beyond the enterprise Learn how to craft future-ready policies that balance flexibility with governance, empower innovation while protecting brand integrity and foster a culture where entrepreneurial ambition becomes a strategic asset rather than a compliance challenge
Panellists:
● Nadia Vatalidis, Head of People, Doist
● Shoabna Kassen, Independent Talent Consultant
10:20 - 10:35
Hosted by Blu Label Unlimited
10:35 - 10:50
POWERTALK |Reading the Unspoken Language of Workplace Culture
Discover how an organisation’s true culture is revealed not in its values statements but in the subtle, everyday signals that shape how people work Learn how to recognise these cultural cues, understand their impact on trust and inclusion and harness them to intentionally shape a healthier, high-performing workplace
Speaker: Aine Armstrong, HR Director, Blu Label Unlimited
Hosted by NHFC CASE STUDY |Building Sustainable Futures: Empowering Youth Through Work Experience
This case study delves into NHFC’s approach to tackling youth unemployment through an 18-month experiential learning programme By ensuring that graduates gain both practical exposure and permanent employment, the initiative creates a ripple effect fostering sustainable livelihoods and empowering a new generation of skilled professionals.
*=Invitedspeaker/notconfirmedorcommittedasyet
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Speaker: Dr. Nomsa Ntshingila, Executive Manager: HR, National Housing Finance Corporation (NHFC)
10:50 - 11:15 Fast-Track Networking
11:15 - 11:45 RISE & GRIND | Coffee Break
The Art of Leadership: Inspiring Action, Driving Change
11:45 - 12:15 PANEL DISCUSSION | DEI vs Belonging: When Culture Speaks Louder Than Rules
Traditional DEI frameworks have focused on representation and fairness but these alone are not enough to unlock the full potential of people The next evolution is belonging: creating cultures where employees feel emotionally connected, respected and valued In the South African workplace, where historical divides still shape experiences, the shift toward belonging is critical to driving unity, psychological safety, authenticity and shared purpose This panel will unpack how leaders can move beyond compliance-driven DEI to embed belonging into everyday culture and why this shift is key to boosting wellness, collaboration and long-term organisational performance.
Panellists:
● Shevona Lillkant, Global People Specialist: Inclusion & Impact, Smollan
● Khethiwe Nkuna, Best-Selling Author & CEO, SkillQuest
● Fathima Abdul, Organisational Effectiveness Lead, Santam Insurance
● Dharshni Padayachee, Head of Diversity, Equity Inclusion & Wellbeing, Rand Merchant Bank (RMB)
*=Invitedspeaker/notconfirmedorcommittedasyet
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12:15 - 12:45
PANEL DISCUSSION | Youth Employment as a Strategic Lever for Economic Renewal
South Africa’s persistent youth unemployment crisis presents both a societal challenge and a strategic opportunity As frustration grows, young people feeling undervalued and employers questioning readiness, the imperative is clear: organisations must move beyond transactional hiring and invest in structured, future-focused pathways that unlock youth potential. This panel convenes leaders across sectors to explore scalable, high-impact strategies for bridging the readiness gap and cultivating a generation of confident, capable contributors.
Panellists:
● Kershini Govender, Executive Head: Transformation, Nedbank
● Farai Ntuli, Skilling and Livelihoods Consultant
● Kekeletso Sebakeng, Graduate Recruitment Manager, Bowmans
● Mvelo Hlophe, Founder & CEO, Zaio
12:45 - 13:15 PANEL DISCUSSION |360° Leadership: The New Code of Servant Leadership
As the workplace evolves, effective leaders need more than traditional skills; they need a holistic approach that blends emotional, digital and cultural intelligence. This panel explores the new code of servant leadership, where leading is not just about authority, but about serving teams, building trust and empowering individuals to thrive Participants will learn how leaders can navigate diverse teams, adapt to technological shifts and foster engagement across cultures and contexts, all while driving performance and creating a purpose-driven workplace
Panellists:
● Elmarie Roberts, Human Resources Director, Michelin Sub-Saharan Africa
● Dr Sane Ngidi, President, SIOPSA
● Rehema Isa, Co-Founder & Director, Oya Solutions Group
● Nthabiseng Kometsi, Talent Management Director, PepsiCo
13:15 - 14:05
*=Invitedspeaker/notconfirmedorcommittedasyet
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The Empowered Workforce: Designing Work Around Life
14:05 - 14:25 CASE STUDY |Building a Sustainable High Performance Culture
In today’s evolving workplace, HR leaders are asked to navigate complex paradoxes: deliver results while protecting well-being, drive growth while maintaining stability and care for people while serving the customer In this high-impact session, Luc shares practical tools to lead individuals and teams with clarity, empathy and energy in the "new normal"
Speaker: Luc Van der Hofstadt, Executive Business Coach & CEO, Mentally Fit Africa
14:25 - 14:45 FIRESIDE CHAT |Inclusive Innovation: Reframing Accessibility as a Strategic Advantage in the Age of AI
As AI and automation redefine the future of work, organisations face a critical opportunity to reimagine inclusion - not as a compliance obligation, but as a catalyst for innovation and growth. People with disabilities represent a vast, often overlooked source of talent, insight and cultural richness When accessibility is embedded intentionally into emerging technologies, it unlocks new levels of independence, productivity and engagement across the workforce This panel brings together visionary leaders to explore how accessibility can be strategically integrated into AI and automation initiatives to drive enterprise-wide transformation.
Panellists:
● Kally Mabe, Principal Specialist: DEIB and Transformation Lead, Vodacom & Executive Director, LGBT+ Management Forum
● Malisha Awunor, CEO, Ikigai People Advisory Services
*=Invitedspeaker/notconfirmedorcommittedasyet
NB:Notethatthis Programmeissubjecttochangewithoutnotice
14:45 - 15:00 CASE STUDY |Beyond Tick-Box Compliance: Using Data to Drive Organisational Transformation
Compliance is often seen as a regulatory burden rather than a strategic opportunity. Yet, when approached with a data-driven mindset, compliance can become a powerful catalyst for transformation Learn how HR and business leaders can leverage analytics to move beyond reactive compliance and instead create transparent, accountable and innovative workplaces
Speaker: Saul Symanowitz, Founder & Director: Strategic Innovation, BEE123
15:00 - 15:20 FIRESIDE CHAT |Balancing Flexibility, Productivity and Well-being
Hybrid work promises flexibility but it also brings challenges like blurred boundaries, digital fatigue and increased stress. This panel explores how organisations can balance flexibility with performance ensuring employees remain productive, engaged and impactful while protecting their well-being. Experts will discuss practical strategies for managing hybrid workloads, fostering accountability, maintaining team cohesion and preventing burnout demonstrating how HR can create structures and practices that maximize output without sacrificing employee health or satisfaction
Panellists:
● Bonolo Smith, Director and Head of Talent, BTS Africa ● Elin Agodi, Head of HR & Talent Management, The Human Element
*=Invitedspeaker/notconfirmedorcommittedasyet
NB:Notethatthis Programmeissubjecttochangewithoutnotice