Education Leaders Convene Virtually To Shape South Africa’s Digital Learning Future

Virtual presentation on the 28th of August 2026.

Pretoria, South Africa

A landmark gathering of education leaders, policymakers and industry experts to drive innovation, strengthen policy and shape the next chapter of digital learning

Online education is no longer an emerging alternative - it is an integral part of South Africa's educational future. As digital learning continues to transform how learners access quality education, the need for strong leadership, progressive policy and meaningful collaboration has never been greater.

Recognising this pivotal moment, the ASSOCIATION FOR DISTANCE EDUCATION PROVIDERS AND ONLINE SCHOOLS (ADEPOS) will host its INAUGURAL NATIONAL VIRTUAL CONFERENCE on 28th AUGUST 2026, bringing together education leaders, policymakers, regulators, researchers, school executives, technology partners and online education providers from across South Africa to shape the future of online schooling.

Hosted under the theme “SEIZING OPPORTUNITIES, ADDRESSING URGENCY: ONLINE EDUCATION IN SOUTH AFRICA – DRIVING POLICY CHANGE FOR A DIGITAL FUTURE,” this landmark one-day conference will provide a national platform for informed dialogue, collaborative problem-solving and strategic thinking. Delegates will explore the policy, regulatory and quality assurance frameworks required to ensure that online education continues to expand with integrity, innovation and excellence.

Conference Overview

More than a conference, this inaugural event represents a defining opportunity for the online education sector to establish a shared vision for the future—one that embraces technological innovation while safeguarding quality, accountability, accessibility and learner success. By bringing together the voices shaping education today, ADEPOS aims to contribute meaningfully to the national conversation on the future of teaching and learning in a rapidly evolving digital world.

Event: ADEPOS Conference 2026

Theme: Seizing Opportunities, Addressing Urgency: Online Education in South Africa – Driving Policy Change for a Digital Future

Date: 28 August 2026

Timeframe: 8 am to 17:00 pm

Format: National Virtual Conference (Hosted from 215 Veronica Street, Montana, Pretoria)

Contact: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Website: www.adepos.org

Purpose and Significance

The ADEPOS Conference 2026 marks an important milestone in the advancement of online education in South Africa. As the sector continues to grow, the conference will provide a collaborative platform for stakeholders to address emerging opportunities, strengthen policy development, enhance quality assurance and promote best practices that support sustainable, high-quality online education.

“This conference comes at a defining moment for online education in South Africa. By bringing together educators, policymakers, regulators and industry leaders, we are creating an opportunity to shape a future where online education is recognised for its quality, innovation and contribution to expanding access to education. Together, we can help build a policy environment that supports excellence and prepares South Africa's learners for a digital future.”

Coleen CronjeChairperson, ADEPOS

Conference Topics

The conference will explore seven core themes:

1      Current Landscape of Online Education in South Africa – Overview of existing online schooling options, trends, growth statistics, and demographic insights

2      Legal and Policy Gaps – Analysis of the regulatory environment and areas lacking oversight

3      Quality Assurance and Standards – How quality is maintained in non-regulated online schools and best practices

4      Access and Equity – Addressing the digital divide and strategies to improve inclusivity

5      Role of Technology and Innovation – Emerging platforms, tools, AI, and adaptive learning methodologies

6      Stakeholder Perspectives – Insights from educators, learners, parents, and policymakers

7      Future Directions and Policy Recommendations – Pathways toward responsible growth, integration, regulation, and accreditation

Keynote Speakers and Participants

The conference will feature presentations from leading experts and thought leaders in online education, including:

Dr Mary Malia and Dr Mbalenhle Ngema (Umalusi – South Africa's Council for Quality Assurance in General and Further Education and Training)

Mr Chris Klopper (SACAI – Sout African Comprehensive Assessment Institute)

Me Confidence Dikgole (IEB - Independent Examinations Board)

In addition to this, leading specialist in their fields, participating in this conference include: Prof Johannes Cronje (Retired Professor of Digital Teaching and Learning), Dr Karen Walstra (Karen Walstra Consulting / KWC Evolve School), Mr Pieter Rosseau (Elroi Academy), Ms Vicky Moraitis (Think Digital Academy), Mr John Luis (IVS Online school), Mr Jamie Rood (marking.ai) and Mr Imaad Isaacs (Futures Academy).

Conference Objectives

The ADEPOS Conference 2026 aims to:

Foster dialoguebetween policymakers, educators, and online education providers

Identify gapsin current policy and regulatory frameworks

Share best practicesin quality assurance and student support

Explore innovative solutionsto improve access and equity in online education

Develop recommendationsfor policy reform and accreditation pathways

Build a collaborative communitycommitted to advancing online education in South Africa

Hybrid Attendance Options

The conference will be accessible virtually, ensuring participation from stakeholders across South Africa and internationally. Virtual attendees will have access to live-streamed presentations and interactive Q&A sessions.

Why This Conference Matters

Online education has become an essential component of South Africa's education system, expanding access to quality learning opportunities for thousands of learners across the country. As the sector continues to evolve, meaningful collaboration between education providers, policymakers, regulators and industry leaders is essential to ensure that innovation is supported by robust policy, quality assurance and sustainable growth.

The ADEPOS Conference 2026 provides a unique national platform for these important conversations. By bringing together diverse voices from across the education sector, the conference aims to foster collaboration, share best practices and contribute to the development of a future-ready online education system that is innovative, inclusive and centred on learner success.

About the Association for Distance Education Providers and Online Schools (ADEPOS)

The Association for Distance Education Providers and Online Schools (ADEPOS) is a professional association representing online schools, distance education providers and organisations committed to advancing excellence in digital learning across South Africa.

ADEPOS serves as a collaborative voice for the online education sector by promoting quality, innovation and equitable access to education. The Association actively engages with education stakeholders, policymakers and regulatory authorities to support the responsible development of online education, strengthen quality standards and encourage innovation that enhances teaching, learning and learner success.

Through professional collaboration, advocacy and strategic partnerships, ADEPOS is committed to shaping a sustainable, future-focused education landscape that broadens educational opportunities and supports the continued growth of online learning in South Africa.

Media Enquiries

Association for Distance Education Providers and Online Schools (ADEPOS)

Coleen CronjeChairperson (ADEPOS)Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.Phone: 0825777942Website: www.adepos.org

Registration and Further Information

For registration and information, please: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

This press release has been prepared by the Association for Distance Education Providers and Online Schools (ADEPOS). For more information or media inquiries, please contact the ADEPOS Communications Team at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.