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
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.
11h15 Keynote address
Prof Ramneek Ahluwalia - CEO, Higher Health
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 Streamlining Student Healthcare: How a Clinic-Management System Can Drive Efficiency, Engagement & Improved Student Outcomes
Wandile Khumalo - CEO Syked
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 Improving the uptake of pre-exposure prophylaxis among university students
Mahlodi Maphakela - Clinical Nurse Practitioner, University of Limpopo
14h15 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
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