2026 Conference Programme

2026 Conference Pre-Conference Day

SAACHS CONFERENCE 2026 PRE-CONFERENCE DAY: TUESDAY 6 JANUARY 2026
	Checkin at your hotels
15h30-17h00	Register at Boardwalk Hotel
	Delegates free time
18h00	Relaxed Dinner at Boardwalk Hotel Terrace

2026 Conference Day 1

SAACHS CONFERENCE 2026 DAY 1: WEDNESDAY 7 JANUARY 2026
07h30	Registration and welcoming refreshments
08h30	Conference starts Boardwalk Conference Centre MC \| Yanga Lusasa - Student Development Manager, Nelson Mandela University
	Welcome Miemie Geya, National Chair, SAACHS
08h45	Keynote Address Dr Xamlashe - DDG for Hospitals and Clinical Support Services, Eastern Cape DoH - invited
09h15	Cyber Safety and Digital Well-being Prof Kerry-Lynn Thomson - Professor in Information Technology, NMU This session examines how cyber threats and harmful online behaviours are increasingly shaping the lived experiences of students. This talk explores the emotional, psychological and academic impact of threats such as online scams, harassment, identity theft and digital overload on campus communities.
09h45	TEA
10h15	Member Round Tables Engage with colleagues in round tables where you can share your experiences and discuss solutions to key challenges facing health care workers. Substance Abuse and how access to medication can evolve into substance abuse Caring for the Carer \| Burnout and Fatigue Professional growth and motivation of the healthworker Ethical Dimensions - Parenting the patient/student Strategies for Caring for the Health Workers - Identify the Problems and what can be done.
11h30	Improving the uptake of pre-exposure prophylaxis among university students Mahlodi Maphakela - Clinical Nurse Practitioner, University of Limpopo This session unveils an innovative educational intervention developed to enhance PrEP uptake among Limpopo university students. Delegates will leave with actionable methods to strengthen youth-focused HIV prevention initiatives.
11h45	Evaluating the Impact of Hand Hygiene Practices on Infection Rates Among University Students Emelda Lewis - Acting Deputy Director of Student Health Services, Nelson Mandela University
12h00	LUNCH Kipling Brasserie
13h00	Annual General Meeting
14h30	TEA
15h00	Annual General Meeting contd.
16h30	Conference closes for the day

18h00-22h00	Casual Dinner at Boardwalk Hotel Pool Deck Dinner theme is Nautical - dress in white and blue and red

2026 Conference Day 2

SAACHS CONFERENCE 2026 DAY 2: THURSDAY 8 JANUARY 2026
08h00	Arrival tea with exhibitors
08h30	Conference starts Mr Yanga Lusasa - Programme Director
08h45	Keynote Address Dr Sibusiso Mchunu - Dean of Students Nelson Mandela University
09h15	AI and the technology enabled healthcare worker Prof Darelle Van Greunen - Director of the Centre for Community Technologies (CCT), Nelson Mandela University
10h00	HIV - access to preventative healthcare for youth Dr. Bulumko Futshane - Beyond Zero
10h30	TEA
11h00	The work of Higher Health Prof Ramneek Ahluwalia - CEO, Higher Health
11h30	Student Wellness Supported by Medical Ecosystems Coleen Daniel - National Sales Manager, ER24
12h00	Cervical cancer screening in young women Dr Luvo Fatman - Cytopathologist, Lancet Laboratories
12h45	LUNCH Kipling Brasserie
13h45	Knowledge of STIs among first year undergraduate students in Gauteng South Africa Mr Olebogeng Moshwene
14h00	Streamlining Student Healthcare: How a Clinic-Management System Can Drive Efficiency, Engagement & Improved Student Outcomes Wandile Khumalo - CEO Syked
14h30	The multisystem impact of menopause within the workforce context Alida Kekana - Clinical Nurse Practitioner, University of Pretoria Join us as we explore the critical impact of menopause on women's health and the workplace. Discover strategies to foster supportive, inclusive environments that retain experience and promote well-being during this pivotal life stage.
14h45	Strategies to facilitate Mental Health in Students in Higher Education Institutions Simangele Sitoe - Mental Health Nurse, Wits University
15h00	TEA
15h30	Rapporteur - Feedback from roundtable facilitators
16h30	Conference closes for the day

18h30	Pre-dinner drinks
19h00	Gala Dinner in Tsitsikama Room at Boardwalk Hotel Theme is 'Mysterious': Dress elegant and mysterious

Programme is subject to change

2026 Conference Day 3

SAACHS CONFERENCE 2026 DAY 3: FRIDAY 9 JANUARY 2026
08h00	WELCOMING TEA WITH EXHIBITORS
08h30	Welcome Mr Yanga Lusasa - Programme Director
08h35	Mental Health Matters: Promoting Well-Being for Health Workers and Academics on University Campuses Prof Wilma ten Ham-Baloyi - Associate Professor in Nursing, Nelson Mandela University
09h00	Restoring dignity to the carers and future workforce and creating a caring culture René Sparks - Director of HACCSA - Health Advocacy & Clinical Compliance South Africa.
09h30	Transforming Workplace Culture: Mindset and Paradigm Shift as the Catalyst Nokulunga (Lukie) Mzekandaba - Founder I Believe Me Africa
10h00	TEA
10h30	Keynote Address Dr Nolitha Vukuza - Council Member, Nelson Mandela University
11h00	Advances in PrEP Sister Thembisile Mbonisa - EC Health
11h30	Self Cav - The AI chatbot for youth health Dr. Dino Rech - CEO Audere, CEO/Founder Audere Africa Meet the AI chatbot that’s talking to young South Africans about sex, HIV and self-harm
12h00	Nelson Mandela Safe House Project Dr Phumeza Kota-Nyati - Dean: Learning and Teaching, Nelson Mandela University
12h15	Closing wrap up Mr Yanga Lusasa
12h30	Farewell Sr Miemie Geya - National Chair, SAACHS
12h30 -	LUNCH
	Delegates depart

Programme is subject to change