SABEN Connects 2026

CAPE TOWN | 30 SEPTEMBER 2026

Delegate registration

Join us in Cape Town for SABEN CONNECTS 2026

Delegate Fee Removed

Event Programme

Capacity Building Through Technology in the Classroom

Time	Title	Description	Speaker
08:00	Arrival & Registration
09:00	Welcome & Opening Remarks		Garth Scholtz, SABEN GM
09:30	Technology Requires People to Enhance Learning & Enablement	Opportunities for educators to amplify learning in the classroom and beyond	Prof. Luci Abrahams, SABEN Chair
10:00	Industry Partner: Edge Analytics	Key digital technologies for the TVET sector in 2026
10:20	Tea Break	Networking & Expo
11:00	TVET Innovation Lightning Round	Brief presentations from industry innovators on learning applications, capacity building and educational value
11:40	Industry Partner: Fortinet	The importance of technological advances and continual renewal in campus infrastructure
12:00	Connectivity & Progress Across Borders: An International Perspective	Lessons from regional research and education networks, and how South African institutions can derive value through collaboration	Nicholas Mbonimpa, CEO RENU (International)
12:30	Industry Partner: Sisonke-Solutions	Facilitating efficiency, effectiveness and student focus in the classroom
12:50	Lunch Break	Networking & Expo
13:50	Panel Discussion: Organisational Changes & Answering your Questions	Feedback to queries submitted by delegates
14:45	How Connectivity Creates Value for Teaching & Learning: A DHET Perspective	A view from the higher education policymaker on the significance of digitalisation for the TVET community	Heinrich Barnard, DHET
15:05	Governance Matters: The Overlooked Driver of Innovation in Education	The role of governance in decision-making, managing risk and enabling innovation Building Sustainable Institutions in a Changing World Financial resilience and lessons from the higher education sector	Hardy Maritz, SABEN Board
15:35	Case Study of a TVET College	What has worked, some of the challenges faced, and how connectivity has made a difference	Sunil Joseph, Buffalo City TVET College
16:05	Closing Remarks		Garth Scholtz, SABEN GM
16:20	Final Expo Session	Networking & Expo
17:00	Conference Ends

Please note: This programme is subject to change without prior notice.

Capacity Building Through
Technology in the Classroom

A future-focused conversation

SABEN Connects is a one‑day event intended to bring together colleagues and friends from across the higher education ecosystem. The programme will feature engaging dialogue and project showcases, shared in the spirit of connectedness and community.

SABEN Connects 2026 will focus on the theme of “Technology in the Classroom”. Over the past decade, SABEN has brought high-speed internet to 256 out of 283 campuses across 45 public TVET colleges. At SABEN Connects 2026, we will focus on how to make the most of the NREN network bringing together IT heads, principals and managers.

Days

UNTIL SABEN CONNECTS 2026

Showcase your business at SABEN Connects

A future-focused conversation

Prospective sponsors are encouraged to participate at one of South Africa’s most impactful gatherings of TVET decision makers. Sponsors can be a part of an exclusive exhibition space, where you can meet and engage with stakeholders. Reach out to the SABEN Connects organisers at marketing@saben.ac.za

We welcome industry leaders and TVET professionals to reach out to us about speaking opportunities on the SABEN Connects 2026 stage. Contact us at marketing@saben.ac.za to discuss further.

DATE: Wednesday, 30 September 2026

TIME: 08:00 – 17:00

LOCATION: The Homecoming Centre, District Six, Cape Town

REGISTRATION: Now open online

COST: Register now at no cost

45 TVET COLLEGES

256 CAMPUSES

9 PROVINCES

500K STUDENTS

What to expect

We have created a full day of amazing panel discussions, inspiring keynote speakers, and opportunities to connect with members of the TVET community. Register to reserve your spot at this groundbreaking event.