📚 Save the Date
EMASA Annual International Conference 2026
🗓 18–19 Sept 2026
📍 KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa
Theme: Education at the Edge: Leading responsive, equitable & future-focused institutions.
#EMASA2026#EducationLeadership#FutureOfEducation
Prof Zanele Ngcobo (UKZN) explores “Beyond Getting the Answer Right” at #EMASA2026, reimagining strong mathematical beginnings for diverse learners.
Her message: don’t focus only on the correct answer. Care about the learner, their thinking and their learning journey.
#UKZN
Dr. Molapo of the ICAN Foundation explores “Leading Effectively in Tough Times” at #EMASA2026, highlighting the importance of self-care, mentorship and passing knowledge on to the next generation.
Effective leadership is about navigating challenges while empowering others.
BALITO | EMASA 2026
Dr Thanesha Rajoo explores the Trust-Ubuntu Nexus, examining how trust and Ubuntu can reshape collaboration and school leadership in the Free State.
#EMASA2026#Ubuntu#EducationLeadership
BALITO | EMASA 2026
Dr Thanesha Rajoo explores the Trust-Ubuntu Nexus, examining how trust and Ubuntu can reshape collaboration and school leadership in the Free State.
#EMASA2026#Ubuntu#EducationLeadership
UMHLANGA | EMASA 2026
Prof M. Sekitla leads a session on Evaluating ICT Utilisation Outcomes in Secondary Schools, comparing South Africa, India and Egypt in a BRICS Plus context.
#EMASA2026#ICTInEducation#EducationTechnology
LEADING FROM THE EDGE: CARE, VOICE, AND THE INSTITUTIONS WE HAVE YET TO BUILD.
Prof Fumane Portia Khanare (UWC) reminds us that institutions may run on policy, but people experience them through feeling.
“That face is data.”
Care is not the soft part of leadership.
Leading Education at the Edge
Prof Irénée Ndayambaje, University of Rwanda – College of Education (Virtual), explores how institutions can respond to AI, inequality, climate uncertainty and changing expectations.
The focus: moving from managing change to leading transformation.
LEADER, LEAD THYSELF.
At #EMASA2026, Prof Vitallis Chikoko (UKZN) explores “Leader, Lead Thyself: Five Fundamental Practices of Visionary Leaders.”
A powerful reflection on the importance of self-leadership as the foundation for leading others, shaping vision and navigating.
LEADING TOWARDS A FUTURE THAT INCLUDES EVERY LEARNER
Prof Mary Metcalfe of Wits University challenged education leaders with a powerful question:
“How do we lead institutions that do not merely survive disruption, but use it to deepen democracy, equity and learning?”
Adv. Alison Bengtson, EMASA President, welcomed delegates and introduced the Executive Committee.
She reaffirmed education as a fundamental human right and a powerful force for addressing poverty, inequality and social ills, while creating opportunities for every learner.
Research must complement practice, turning knowledge into meaningful action and real-world impact. Adv. Alison Bengtson highlights EMASA as a platform where experts and leaders engage in conversations that inspire, challenge and transform realities.
#EducationLeadership
Research must complement practice, turning knowledge into meaningful action and real-world impact. Adv. Alison Bengtson highlights EMASA as a platform where experts and leaders engage in conversations that inspire, challenge and transform realities.
#EducationLeadership
Adv. Alison Bengtson, EMASA President, welcomed delegates and introduced the Executive Committee.
She reaffirmed education as a fundamental human right and a powerful force for addressing poverty, inequality and social ills, while creating opportunities for every learner.
IN CLOSING | EDUCATION AT THE EDGE
We are leading schools through rapid cultural, technological and social shifts and we don’t have all the answers.
Researchers
Problem-solvers
Innovators
Critical thinkers
Change-makers
Leadership potential exists in everyone.
WORKSHOP 2 | EMASA 2026
Prof Carolyn (Callie) Grant of Rhodes University leads an engaging session on “Education at the Edge” exploring whole-school leadership cultures, navigating complexity, advancing equity and reimagining educational futures.
#EMASA2026#EducationAtTheEdge
Teacher shortages. Social media crises. Budget cuts. Technology failures. Violence. Policy changes. How do school leaders respond when crisis strikes? Mr Daya Chetty for Workshop 1: Agile Leadership for School Principals at the Pre-Conference.
#AgileLeadership