SAELA Conference 2027
31st Annual International Education Law Conference
Navigating Barriers in Building a Highway for Education: Power, Responsibility and Accountability
The conference will take place from 1–4 August 2027. Further details regarding the venue, accommodation, conference arrangements and applicable rates will be communicated in due course.
South Africa’s education landscape continues to face significant challenges in building a sustainable, equitable and effective education system. Schools, governing bodies, policymakers, legal practitioners and education leaders are required to navigate an increasingly complex network of legal obligations, competing interests, limited resources and questions of accountability.
Building a highway for education requires more than a clear destination. It demands the removal of barriers, the responsible exercise of power, the fair allocation of resources and effective accountability at every level of the system. Some obstacles may arise from legislation, governance structures, financial constraints or institutional limitations, while others may stem from the manner in which authority is exercised and responsibilities are fulfilled.
Join SAELA for its 31st Annual International Education Law Conference which will explore the legal, governance and policy frameworks shaping the future of South African education.
Our theme, “Navigating Barriers in Building a Highway for Education: Power, Responsibility and Accountability,” invites delegates to critically examine how power is exercised, how responsibility is distributed and how accountability can be strengthened to ensure that the education system serves the best interests of learners.
Why Attend?
- Engage with leading voices in education law, public policy, school governance and educational leadership.
- Explore the exercise of power within the education system, including the respective roles and authority of government departments, school governing bodies, principals and other stakeholders.
- Examine responsibility and accountability in decision-making, governance, financial management and the protection of learners’ rights.
- Understand emerging legal developments affecting South African education, including the BELA Act, admissions, language rights, SGB autonomy, governance and oversight.
- Address practical barriers faced by schools, including funding constraints, infrastructure challenges, staffing and appointments, school safety and competing legal obligations.
- Develop practical strategies for overcoming legal and institutional obstacles while promoting fairness, transparency and effective governance.
- Strengthen your professional network with academics, legal practitioners, departmental officials, school governing body representatives and education leaders.
Who Should Attend?
- Legal practitioners
- Academics and researchers
- Education department officials
- School governing body leaders and members
- Principals and school management teams
- Education policy and governance specialists
- Education leaders and other stakeholders involved in the development and administration of education law
Who holds the power to shape the highway of education, and what responsibilities accompany that power?
How should accountability operate when legal obligations, available resources and the needs of learners come into conflict? What barriers prevent the education system from progressing, and how can these barriers be addressed without compromising the rights and interests of learners?
Be part of the national dialogue exploring how South Africa can navigate the challenges facing education law and governance, strengthen accountability and build a more accessible, equitable and sustainable highway for education.
Registrations are open!
Join us in shaping the future of South African education with clarity, integrity and a shared commitment to responsible leadership and accountability.
ABSTRACTS
Researchers, academics, legal practitioners and other interested professionals are invited to submit abstracts for consideration for presentation at the conference.
Abstracts should be between 300 and 500 words and submitted via the SAELA website by 15 March 2027
Abstracts should include:
- Presenter details and co-authors, where applicable.
- Up to six keywords.
- A clear explanation of the relevance of the proposed presentation to education law and the conference theme.
- An indication of the legal, governance, policy or practical issues to be addressed.
Proposals may explore, among other topics, the exercise of power in education, the allocation of responsibilities, accountability mechanisms, governance challenges, learners’ rights, resource constraints and the removal of barriers to educational access and progress.
For enquiries, please contact Maryke Beukes at saela2023@gmail.com.
IMPORTANT DATES:
Abstract submission deadline: 15 March 2027
Early-bird registration deadline: 31 May 2027
Registration closing date: 30 June 2027
Conference dates: 1 – 4 August 2027
CONFERENCE REGISTRATION:
Registration is now open. To qualify for the early-bird registration package, register and pay before 31 May 2027.
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
While we appreciate that online attendance has made it possible for delegates to join us from afar, the 2027 SAELA International Education Law Conference will be an in-person event only.
We look forward to bringing our SAELA community together once again for meaningful discussions, valuable connections and an enriching conference experience.
We can’t wait to welcome you in person!
Please note:
- All attendees and presenters will be required to register for the conference.
- Registration will be regarded as final once the applicable payment has been received and a Payment and Registration Confirmation has been issued.
- The conference organisers will communicate details regarding meals, refreshments and any scheduled evening functions.
- Registration fees, accommodation, travel and other associated costs will be specified in the final conference information.
- Delegates will be responsible for arranging and paying for their own travel and accommodation unless otherwise communicated by the organisers.
- Further information regarding registration procedures, conference materials and programme arrangements will be provided closer to the conference.
Enquiries
For further information contact:
Mrs. Maryke Beukes
E-mail: saela2023@gmail.com
Register now
Call for papers