DAY 1 - 22 October 2025
New Code of Work
08:00 - 09:00 REGISTRATION & REFRESHMENTS
09:00 – 09:05 MODERATOR’S WELCOME | Leanne Manas, Senior Broadcast Anchor and Businesswoman
09:05 - 09:10 ORGANISERS INTRO| Ralf Fletcher, Chief Executive Officer, Topco Media
09:10 - 09:20 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
09:20 - 09:35 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
*=Invitedspeaker/notconfirmedorcommittedasyet
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09:35 - 10:15 PANEL DISCUSSION |HR's AI Blind Spot: Threat to HR or Powerful Ally
While Generative AI (GenAI) is being rapidly adopted in fields like marketing, HR is lagging behind, with only a small percentage of departments exploring its potential This panel explores why HR has been slow to adopt GenAI and what can be done to close the gap. By highlighting practical use cases, success stories and low-risk starting points, the discussion will unpack how GenAI can help HR teams automate tasks, personalise employee experiences and enhance decision-making The session will ultimately challenge HR leaders to view GenAI not as a threat, but as a powerful ally in creating more agile, people-centric and innovative organisations
10:15 - 10:30
Hosted by 4Sight Holdings
POWER TALK|People-Focused Transformation in the 5IR
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 collaborative tools, flexible systems and intelligent automation
Speaker: Senior Representative, 4Sight Holdings*
10:30 - 10:50 Fast-Track Networking
10:50 - 11:20
*=Invitedspeaker/notconfirmedorcommittedasyet
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PANEL DISCUSSION |Optimising Algorithms to Strengthen Workplace Culture
11:20 - 11:50
11:50 - 12:30
Hosted by SALGA
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
Pannelists:
● Naomi Molefe, Talent Innovation and Ecosystems Partnerships, Adichie Consulting
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
*=Invitedspeaker/notconfirmedorcommittedasyet
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12:30 - 12:45
Hosted by NMG Benefits
POWER TALK|Innovative Benefits for a Loyal, High-Performing Workforce
Employee benefits are more than just a perk, they’re a strategic driver of performance, engagement and loyalty This session explores how forward-thinking organisations are designing benefits that go beyond the basics to meet the diverse needs of today’s workforce From personalised wellness programs and financial empowerment tools to flexible support for work-life balance, discover how innovative, inclusive benefits can unlock potential at every level, reduce turnover and fuel a thriving, committed workforce.
Speaker: Senior Representative, NMG Benefits*
FIRESIDE CHAT |Recognition: The Magic Potion for Performance
12:45 - 13:00
Hosted by FranklinCovey
13:00 - 14:00
In today’s collaborative, hybrid, and rapidly evolving work environments, traditional recognition systems often fail to capture the full scope of what drives team success This conversation unpacks how timely, authentic and inclusive recognition can unlock motivation, strengthen loyalty and elevate team output. Learn how to harness recognition as a strategic tool not just a feel-good gesture to drive sustained engagement and high performance across your organisation.
Speaker: Senior Representative, FranklinCovey*
*=Invitedspeaker/notconfirmedorcommittedasyet
NB:Notethatthis Programmeissubjecttochangewithoutnotice
14:00 - 14:40 PANEL DISCUSSION |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.
Pannelists:
● Lerato Morathi, Head: Human Capital, Alexforbes
14:40 - 15:20 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
Pannelists:
● Elme Selesho, Organisational Development Consultant specialising in Learning and Development, Signify Software
*=Invitedspeaker/notconfirmedorcommittedasyet
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15:20 - 16:00 PANEL DISCUSSION | |Bridging the Talent Gap: From Skills to Tech Confidence in the New-Collar Economy
In the fast-evolving landscape of AI, cybersecurity and automation, “new-collar” jobs are opening doors for workers without traditional degrees but technical know-how alone isn’t enough. Future-ready organisations empower their people to not only learn new skills but also confidently experiment with emerging technologies. This panel will explore how short-term certifications, apprenticeships and hands-on training can be paired with a culture that encourages curiosity, trial and innovation. By blending practical upskilling with real-world tech exposure, companies can close talent gaps, spark creativity and build a workforce that’s ready to seize the opportunities of the digital age.
15:55 - 16:00 Moderators Closing Remarks & Refreshments
*=Invitedspeaker/notconfirmedorcommittedasyet
NB:Notethatthis Programmeissubjecttochangewithoutnotice
DAY 2 - 23 October 2025
New Code of Work
08:00 - 09:00 REGISTRATION & REFRESHMENTS
09:30 – 09:40 MODERATOR’S WELCOME | Leanne Manas, Senior Broadcast Anchor and Businesswoman
KEYNOTE ADDRESS |The African AI Advantage: Leading the New Code of Work
09:40 – 09:50
Africa is often seen as a technology taker, but when it comes to artificial intelligence, we have a unique opportunity to flip the script and define the new code of work This keynote explores how African businesses are uniquely positioned to leapfrog outdated systems, sidestep rigid work models and lead with bold, homegrown AI solutions With a young, mobile-first workforce, fewer legacy constraints and an innovation mindset shaped by resilience and creativity, Africa has all the ingredients to pioneer a workplace revolution that is agile, inclusive and globally competitive.
09:50 - 10:20 PANEL DISCUSSION | DEI vs Belonging: When Culture Speaks Louder Than Rules
DEI often lives in strategies, scorecards and compliance reports but belonging lives in the day-to-day experiences of employees. This panel explores the critical shift from ticking DEI boxes to creating cultures where people truly feel valued, connected and safe to be themselves Learn how belonging directly impacts wellness and why wellness in turn fuels engagement, collaboration and performance Leaders and practitioners will share practical ways to bridge the gap between DEI theory and lived reality, turning transformation from a mandate into a movement that people can feel
*=Invitedspeaker/notconfirmedorcommittedasyet
NB:Notethatthis Programmeissubjecttochangewithoutnotice
10:20 - 10:35
Hosted by Blue Label Telecoms
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: Senior Representative, Blue Label Telecoms*
10:35 - 11:10 PANEL DISCUSSION | Work Meets the Creator Economy: Balancing Employment, Monetisation and Influence
As more employees embrace the creator economy (through content creation, influencer marketing and digital monetisation) the traditional boundaries between professional and personal lives are rapidly blurring. This panel explores the growing trend of full-time workers managing side hustles and personal brands online. What does this mean for organisational policies, IP ownership, reputational risk and employee loyalty? How can HR and leadership teams navigate issues such as time management, content boundaries and brand alignment, while empowering employees to explore entrepreneurial ambitions? Join us as we unpack the cultural shift taking place in today’s workforce and consider how companies can build future-forward policies that balance flexibility, accountability and innovation.
11:10 - 11:30 Fast-Track Networking
11:30 - 12:00 RISE & GRIND | Coffee Break
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12:00 - 12:35 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
12:35 - 13:05 PANEL DISCUSSION |AI, Automation and Accessibility: Unlocking Untapped Potential
As AI and automation reshape the workplace, people with disabilities represent not only a group needing inclusive design but also an untapped cultural and talent opportunity Emerging technologies offer incredible potential to enhance independence, communication and productivity, yet they can also introduce new barriers if accessibility isn’t intentionally designed This panel explores how organisations can harness AI and automation to unlock hidden talent, drive innovation and reimagine inclusion, turning accessibility from a compliance requirement into a strategic advantage. What does a truly inclusive digital future look like, and how can companies lead the way in building it?
*=Invitedspeaker/notconfirmedorcommittedasyet
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13:05 - 13:15
CASE STUDY |Unmasking Potential: Why the Safest Place to Work is the Best Place to Work
This session explores how cultivating psychological safety, trust and openness transforms workplaces into environments where employees can bring their whole selves to work. From neurodivergent individuals masking their abilities to employees hiding aspects of their cultural, gender, or sexual identity, the hidden costs of inauthenticity can undermine performance, engagement and well-being. Learn practical strategies to create truly safe spaces where authenticity is celebrated, enabling collaboration, innovation and peak performance to flourish.
Speaker: Luc Van der Hofstadt, Executive Business Coach & CEO, Mentally Fit Africa
13:15 - 14:05 LUNCH BREAK
The Empowered Workforce: Designing Work Around Life
PANEL DISCUSSION | Managing the Risks and Rewards of Youth Employment
14:05 - 14:45
High youth unemployment in South Africa has created frustration on both sides; young people feel overlooked or exploited, while employers worry about readiness and work ethic This panel explores real-world strategies to equip youth for meaningful careers. The session will discuss how organisations can create structured opportunities that build competence, confidence and accountability, helping young talent contribute effectively from day one. By focusing on practical, scalable solutions, companies can unlock youth potential, strengthen their workforce and drive long-term economic growth
*=Invitedspeaker/notconfirmedorcommittedasyet
NB:Notethatthis Programmeissubjecttochangewithoutnotice
14:45 - 15:25 PANEL DISCUSSION |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
15:25 - 15:30 Moderators Closing Remarks & Refreshments
*=Invitedspeaker/notconfirmedorcommittedasyet
NB:Notethatthis Programmeissubjecttochangewithoutnotice