Saela

SAELA Conference 2026

 30th Annual International Education Law Conference

Pothole or Speed Bump? Balancing Rights, Resources and Responsibilities in education

 

The conference will take place at Southern Sun The Marine, Port Elizabeth in the Eastern Cape

from 2 to 5 August 2026.

For accommodation at Southern Sun The Marine, quote BLOCK ID 5089918 when booking directly with the hotel to access the SAELA Conference rate.

 

South Africa’s education landscape is at a defining crossroads. Every day, schools, governing bodies, policymakers, legal practitioners, and education leaders face challenges that can either derail progress like a deep pothole, or simply slow us down like a speed bump—depending on how we respond.

Join SAELA for a powerful national gathering that unpacks the legal, financial and governance frameworks shaping South African education today. Our theme, “Pothole or Speed Bump? Balancing Rights, Resources and Responsibilities in Education,” invites delegates to explore the critical tension between what the law requires, what the system can afford, and what our learners deserve.

Why Attend?

  • Engage with leading voices in education law, public policy, finance, and school governance.

  • Gain practical strategies for navigating rights-based obligations in a system under severe resource pressure.

  • Understand new legal developments including the BELA Act, admissions, language rights, SGB autonomy, accountability and oversight.

  • Discuss real-world challenges faced by schools across provinces—capacity, funding, appointments, infrastructure, and school safety.

  • Strengthen your professional network with academics, practitioners, departmental officials, and education leaders.

Who Should Attend?

Legal practitioners
Academics and researchers
Education department officials
School governing body leaders
Principals and school management teams
Education policy and governance specialists

Join the Conversation

Is the challenge before us a pothole that threatens to destabilize the system — or a speed bump that forces us to slow down, think differently, and move forward with purpose?

Be part of the national dialogue shaping the future of South African education law and governance.

 

Registration opens soon.
Secure your place and help steer education forward with clarity, integrity and courage.

ABSTRACTS

Prepare an abstract of between 300 and 500 words and submit it on the SAELA website by 16 March 2026. Abstracts should include:

  • Presenter details (and co-authors if applicable)
  • Up to six keywords
  • Explanation of relevance to education law and the conference theme

If you have any questions, please contact saela2023@gmail.com.

IMPORTANT DATES:

Abstract submission deadline: 15 March 2026

Early-bird registration: Paid by 31 May 2026

Registrations close: 30 June 2026

Conference dates: 2 to 5 August 2026

 

CONFERENCE REGISTRATION:

Registration is now open. To qualify for the early-bird registration package, register and pay before 31 May 2026. Conference packages include options for face-to-face and online attendance.

Face-to-Face Attendance

  • R 4,500: Per person Early-bird full registration (paid by 31 May)
  • R 2,700: Per person One-day registration per day
  • R 5,000: Per person normal registration (after 31 May)
  • R 3,500: Unemployed post-graduate students (paid by 31 May)

The fee includes daily lunch, coffee/tea, refreshments, and an evening dinner function. Delegates are responsible for their own travel, accommodations, breakfasts, and other dinners. 

Online Attendance

  • R 2,400: Per person Individual attendance
  • R 1,500: Per person for group attendance (groups of 3 or more)

Group attendance allows institutions to broadcast the conference to their members, for example, in a conference room or hall.

Please note:

  • Attendees and presenters must register for the conference.  Once your payment has been received and a Payment and Registration Confirmation has been issued, your registration will be considered final.
  • Registration fees cover conference costs, refreshments, buffet lunches on Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday, and an evening function. The evening function will feature a cash bar.  You are responsible for all other meals.
  • Registration fees do not include accommodation, travel, tourist activities, or other meals.
  • Please indicate on the registration form if you intend to bring accompanying persons to any of the meals included in the registration fee. There will be an additional charge.
  • We regret that SAELA is not able to cover the travel expenses, conference fees, or any other costs incurred by presenters/delegates. You are responsible for making your own travel and accommodation arrangements.
  • SAELA does not provide transportation services or arrange transportation.  The delegates are responsible for arranging and paying for their own transportation to and from the conference.
  • Registration will take place on Sunday evening, Monday and Tuesday mornings from 7:30 to 8:25, and on Wednesday mornings from 8:00 to 8:25.  Delegates may collect conference bags, programs, name tags, etc., during this time.  Your Payment and Registration Confirmation should be brought with you.

Enquiries
For further information contact:
Mrs. Maryke Beukes
E-mail: saela2023@gmail.com

Register now
Call for papers