FEDSAS is very excited to host our first National Conference for School Governing Bodies in 2026 – and you should be there!
The FEDSAS conference aims to bring together education leaders, school governing body members, principals, and policymakers from across South Africa to strengthen and advance effective school governance.
Why attend?
It provides a unique and vital platform for stakeholders to engage, learn, and collaborate on the key issues shaping education today.
At its core, the conference seeks to equip delegates with the knowledge, skills, and practical tools required to govern schools ethically, responsibly and strategically.
Through a series of interactive sessions, expert presentations and panel discussions, participants will explore the full spectrum of school governance, including public and independent school contexts, financial management, policy development and risk oversight.
They will engage with emerging and pressing issues in education, from school discipline and leadership development to diversity, inclusivity as well as the integration of technology in learning and administration.
Delegates will gain insights into building inclusive, sustainable and high-performing school environments that foster excellence for all learners and staff.
Beyond knowledge-sharing, the conference is a hub for networking and collaboration. Delegates will have the opportunity to connect with peers, sector experts and policymakers, fostering partnerships and relationships that extend beyond the event itself. This exchange of ideas and experiences enhances collective problem-solving and innovation in school governance.
Who should attend?
Chairpersons of school governing bodies
Members of school governing bodies
Principals as members of school governing bodies and as “executive officers”
School management teams
Members of committees of school governing bodies
Conference details
Dates
The conference will take place over two days – Monday, 22 June & Tuesday, 23 June 2026.
There will also be an optional post-conference school visit taking place on Wednesday, 24 June 2026.
Venue
The conference will take place at the idylic Lord Charles Hotel in Somerset West, Western Cape.
Corner Main Road (M9) & Broadway Boulevard.
Cost
The cost is R3700.00 per person for members, and R4900.00 per person for non-members. This includes access to the full two-day conference.
The post-conference school visit is optional and charged separately.
Accommodation and travel expenses are excluded.
Keynote speakers
Programme & Speakers
Leading voices from FEDSAS – Dr. Jaco Deacon, Dr. Juané van der Merwe-Mocke and Riaan van der Bergh, joined by an exciting range of other speakers!
Click here to read more about our keynote speakers.
Registration
Click here to register for the conference. Seats are limited to 350 delegates only!
Please send an email to conference@fedsas.org.za to subscribe to our mailing list to receive the latest updates regarding the conference.
Meet our corporate partners
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NPO / NGO
FAQs
GENERAL INFORMATION
When and where is the conference taking place?
The conference will take place at the Lord Charles Hotel in Somerset West, Western Cape on 22 and 23 June, with an optional post-conference school visit on 24 June.
When does the conference start and end?
The conference starts on 22 June at 08:30 and concludes on 23 June at 17:15. On 24 June we have post-school visits (optional) on two routes (primary and secondary schools) which will be from 08:00 to 15:30. The departure and finish points of these routes will be confirmed.
Who should attend the conference?
Anyone with an interest in education can attend the conference. This includes school governing body (SGB) members, principals, deputy principals, departmental heads, school management teams (SMTs) and educators.
Would independent schools benefit from attending the conference?
The conference is not limited to public schools; rather, it addresses broader issues in the education sector. It is not a training event, but a platform for in-depth discussions on key topics in the sector. The program includes sessions on values and discipline, financial management, building strategic partnerships, best practices in reporting (King V principles), strategic leadership, and digital transformation. These topics are highly relevant to independent schools as well.
What is the dress code for the conference?
The dress code for the conference is formal business attire. Attendees are encouraged to dress professionally, with the option to incorporate subtle cultural elements where appropriate.
REGISTRATION & PAYMENT
How do I register for the conference?
Click here to register for the conference. This form must be completed thoroughly and accurately.
I’m not a member of FEDSAS, can I still register for the conference?
Yes, you can register even though you are not a member. The cost is R4900.00 per person for non-members.
What if two or more people from the same school want to register for the conference?
Every person that wants to attend the conference needs to complete their own registration form (one form = one registration). Schools that receive more than one invoice can request a statement in order to make one payment.
Can I register on the day of the conference?
Unfortunately, this will not be possible due to the limited available space. The cut-off date for delegates’ registration is 24 May 2026.
What is included in the registration fee?
The fee includes access to the two-day conference. Light meals and drinks will be provided during the conference. The post-conference school visit is optional and will be charged separately. Travel, accommodation and extra meals are not included.
Are meals included?
Tea/coffee breaks and light meals are included. Please indicate dietary requirements when completing the registration form – note that the service provider will levy an extra charge per specific selection.
What payment methods are accepted?
Only EFT payments will be accepted. Tickets need to be paid in full before the conference takes place. Cash payments at the venue will not be accepted.
How do I request an invoice or proof of payment?
Once you’ve registered, you will receive an invoice. If you’ve registered and you have not received your invoice, or you require proof of payment, you can send an email to conference@fedsas.org.za.
ARRIVAL & ON-SITE LOGISTICS
What time does registration open?
Registration is from 08:30 to 09:00 on both days. Please bring your confirmation email or ID for check‑in.
Where do I collect my name badge?
At the registration desk in the conference foyer. Badges must please be worn at all times during the conference.
Is Wi‑Fi available?
Complimentary Wi‑Fi is provided. Login details will be available at the hotel.
Is parking available at the venue?
Yes, there is complimentary on-site parking with 24-hour surveillance.
Is the venue wheelchair-friendly?
Yes, the Lord Charles Hotel is wheelchair-friendly, offering features like wheelchair-accessible parking and van parking. However, it is important to contact the hotel directly to inquire about specific room features and accessibility needs.
PROGRAM & SESSIONS
Where can I find the programme?
Click here to download a copy of the programme.
How do I join breakaway sessions?
Breakaway sessions are divided on a language basis (English/Afrikaans). The program leader will guide you before the session.
Will sessions be recorded?
Unfortunately, the sessions will not be recorded.
Will I receive a certificate of attendance?
Yes, certificates will be emailed within 2-3 weeks after the conference.
Where are the exhibitor stands located?
The exhibitors’ stands are in The Grand Ballroom (the Refreshment Hall). Please make sure to spend ample time with our exhibitors – we value their commitment and support.
TRAVEL & ACCOMMODATION
How far is the venue from the airport?
Cape Town International Airport is 31 kms from the Lord Charles Hotel – about 24 minutes of travel. For personal safety reasons, we suggest travelling with caution on the N2, especially after dark.
How far are the school visits from the airport?
The school visits will start at the hotel and finish at the hotel.
When should we book flight tickets (dates), and can we fly in on the first day of the conference?
This depends on where you are flying from and the flights available from your closest airport. It would be best to arrive the day before the conference starts.
Can we fly back after the last day of the conference (without school visits)?
This depends on where you are flying from and the flights available from your closest airport. Most airlines have later flights – remember to arrive at least an hour before your departure times.
Is transport provided?
No, transport to and from the venue is not provided or included in your registration fee.
Can you recommend some car rental options?
Please click here for rental options.
What are some accommodation recommendations?
Click here to see a list of possible accommodation. Please note to book well in advance, accommodation is difficult to find close to the Lord Charles Hotel.
NETWORKING & EXTRAS
Will there be networking opportunities?
Yes, networking sessions are scheduled during breaks and at the cocktail event on Day 1.
SUPPORT & CONTACT
Who do I contact for assistance during the conference?
The help desk at the registration area will assist with queries. Dedicated FEDSAS staff members will also be available during the conference.
