Annual Employment Conference #AEC2026
Thursday, 12 March 2026 | Live
R3 990.00 (excl. VAT)
*Black Friday Sale (26/11/2025 - 03/12/2025 ONLY):
50% OFF on Table Bookings (8 or more delegates)
30% OFF on Individual registrations (7 or less delegates)
Use Discount Code: #AEC2026BF
Step into the future of work at AEC 2026, South Africa’s premier Annual Employment Conference, uniting HR leaders, policymakers, and innovators to explore the power of Human Insight and Artificial Intelligence. Join top executives for a day of strategic discussions, real-world case studies, and inspiring keynotes on leadership, transformation, and the future of employment.
Date: 12 March 2026 | Venue: Maslow Hotel, Sandton | Cost: R3 990 excl. VAT | Accredited: 6 CPD HR Points (SABPP)
Great news, registrations are OPEN!
Time & Location
12 March 2026, Thursday, 09:00 - 16:00
Live at Maslow Hotel, Sandton, GP
About The Event
AEC 2026 is where the future of work meets the power of Human Insight and Artificial Intelligence. This landmark annual conference brings together South Africa’s foremost HR strategists, executives, policymakers, and innovators to discuss how organisations can thrive in a digitally enabled, human-centric era. Expect a day packed with transformative ideas, expert panels, and actionable insights designed to drive growth, inclusion, and innovation across the employment landscape.
Join industry leaders as they explore the intersection of AI strategy, leadership transformation, and workforce evolution through dynamic keynotes, panel discussions, and masterclasses. Walk away with fresh perspectives, new connections, and practical frameworks to position your organisation at the forefront of change.
Core Topics Include:
• Human-Centric AI Strategy – Integrating AI for empowerment and intelligent decision-making.
• Future Skills & Leadership – Realigning workforce skills for digital transformation.
• Policy & Compliance Updates – Latest developments in employment law, equity, and digital compliance.
• Youth Employment – Innovative public-private partnerships and entrepreneurship opportunities.
• Leadership Lessons – Insights from South Africa’s most inspiring business and sports leaders.
• Employment Equity Transformation – Practical success stories and lessons in inclusive growth.
• BPO & Digital Industry Trends – Navigating transformation in the fast-growing digital economy.
• Live Book Signing & Masterclasses – Engage directly with speakers and access practical takeaways.
Why Attend:
Network with forward-thinking executives and policy influencers.
Gain exclusive access to live demonstrations and case studies.
Earn 6 CPD HR Points accredited by SABPP (certificate optional at R55 excl. VAT).
Book a table of 8 and enjoy a 10% group discount using code #TABLE.
Event Details
Date: 12 March 2026
Venue: Maslow Hotel, Sandton
Cost: R3 990 excl. VAT per delegate
Optional CPD Certificate: R55 excl. VAT (SABPP accredited – 6 CPD HR Points)
Presented by Global Business Solutions (GBS) - Your Partner in Strategic HR Compliance
All workshops are offered as customised in-house training that can be presented virtually or on-site.
*All courses and conferences are subject to minimum delegate numbers.
GBS is:
Qualifying Small Enterprise
Level 2 B-BBEE Contributor
53% Black Owned
More than 51% Black Women Owned
More about the presenter:
Stay tuned for our AEC 2026 Speaker Reveal Series – new names, new perspectives, announced over the next few weeks.
Jonathan, AKA Johnny Goldberg
Chairman, Global Business Solutions, Chartered Director, and Commissioner on the National Minimum Wage Commission
Johnny is a renowned expert in South Africa’s labour law and regulatory landscape with over 30 years of experience. A trusted advisor and thought leader, Johnny has led high-level negotiations at plant, industry, and NEDLAC levels. Holding an MBA (Cum Laude), LLB, and Chartered Director status, he is a sought-after speaker and consultant on employment equity, wage negotiations, and business strategy.
As a Commissioner on the National Minimum Wage Commission and Labour Market Convenor at NEDLAC, Johnny represents business interests in shaping national policy and transformation.
Thembi Chagonda
Joint-CEO, Global Business Solutions, and Employment Equity Commissioner
Thembi, Joint CEO of Global Business Solutions, is one of South Africa’s leading HR consultants, with over 20 years of expertise in transformation, diversity, and skills development. A trusted advisor on BBBEE, Employment Equity, and HR compliance, Thembi holds a Bachelor of Social Science, a Postgraduate Diploma in Labour Law, and an Executive Certificate from Columbia Business School.
As an Employment Equity Commissioner and industry leader, Thembi drives transformation initiatives, delivers impactful training, and shapes strategic HR solutions across sectors. Her leadership and contributions have positioned her as a key influencer in South Africa’s HR landscape.
John Botha
Joint-CEO, Global Business Solutions and CEO, Circle and Square
John Botha is a highly regarded leader in workforce solutions, labour law, and strategic business transformation. As Joint CEO of Global Business Solutions, he brings decades of experience and has shaped South Africa's labour and employment landscape through his roles on the Employment Equity Commission and Essential Services Commission.
A former Group Executive Director of South Africa's largest JSE-listed workforce solutions company at just 31, John has represented South Africa at the International Labour Organisation and led key labour law negotiations at NEDLAC. His academic credentials include a BCom Honours, a Postgraduate Diploma in Labour Law, and executive training from Columbia Business School and MIT.
Renowned for his innovative strategies and transformative insights, John is a sought-after speaker and trusted advisor, helping organisations drive growth while navigating complex regulatory environments.
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