ABCSA Events | 2026
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Step into moments that define 2026 – it promises to be a year of insightful forums, dynamic leadership sessions, and impactful gatherings.
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Xpatweb 6th Annual Global Mobility Conference - 21 July 2026
Date: 21 July 2026
The Xpatweb 6th Annual Global Mobility Conference, held on 21 July 2026, brought together South Africa’s leading government officials, ambassadors, business executives, HR decision-makers and global mobility specialists for a day of strategic discussions on the future of talent mobility, immigration and economic growth.
The day focused on direct engagement with decision-makers, thought-provoking discussions, meaningful networking opportunities and conversations that continued long after the formal proceedings had ended.
The programme included the keynote address by Dr Leon Schreiber, Minister of Home Affairs, who shared government’s vision for modernising South Africa’s immigration system and strengthening the country’s ability to attract the critical skills needed for long-term growth.
Delegates participated in a full day of insightful discussions covering immigration reform, qualifications recognition, foreign direct investment, artificial intelligence, skills development and the future of international mobility.
Featured Speakers and Discussions:
- Dr Leon Schreiber – Minister of Home Affairs, who shared government’s vision for the future of South Africa’s immigration system and digital transformation.
- Khulekani Mathe – Chief Executive Officer, Business Unity South Africa (BUSA), who explored the role of business and public-private collaboration in unlocking economic growth.
- H.E. Mr Fumio Shimizu – Ambassador of Japan to South Africa, who reflected on the importance of international partnerships and investment.
- Enrico Brandt – Deputy Head of Mission, German Embassy to South Africa, who shared perspectives on international business, skills and economic cooperation.
- Nadia Starr – Chief Executive Officer, South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA), who highlighted the role of qualifications recognition in enabling global mobility.
- Ministerial Panel Discussion featuring Dr Leon Schreiber, Minister of Home Affairs, Marisa Jacobs, Managing Director of Xpatweb, and Yusuf Simons, Director at the Department of Home Affairs, who explored the evolving direction of South Africa’s immigration landscape through an engaging discussion between government and industry.
- AI Panel Discussion featuring Nitin Soma, Founder and CEO of Skybolt, Yubin Yang, CEO of Limen AI Lab, and Tanya Tosen, Tax and Remuneration Specialist and Master Mobility Specialist, Tax Consulting SA, examined how artificial intelligence is reshaping the future of global mobility and business.
One of the key takeaways from the conference was the Department of Home Affairs’ continued focus on technology-driven innovation, particularly through the implementation of the Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) System. The ETA represents a significant step towards a fully digital immigration framework and is expected to form the foundation of a completely electronic visa application process, with Trusted Employers anticipated to be among the first to utilise the new system.
Trusted Employer Scheme
Round 2 of the Trusted Employer Scheme (TES) officially opened on 20 July 2026 and will remain open for applications until 4 September 2026.
Becoming a Trusted Employer in South Africa provides several meaningful advantages, including:
- Faster adjudication of work visa applications
- Reduced administrative burden and streamlined document requirements
- Predictability and efficiency in talent mobility planning
- Credibility with the Department of Home Affairs
- Improved lead times for sourcing scarce skills
- First access to online submissions
Read more about the benefits of being a Trusted Employer in South Africa here.
The Xpatweb Global Mobility Conference has become more than an annual event. It is where policy meets practice, meaningful connections are formed, and where organisations gain early insight into the developments shaping South Africa’s global mobility landscape.
Strengthening Private Sector Accountability in Procurement Procedures and Cross-Border Compliance Event - 15 July 2026
Date: 15 July 2026
ABCSA was honoured to take part in the highly impactful “Strengthening Private Sector Accountability in Procurement Procedures and Cross‑Border Compliance” Event, held in collaboration with SwissCham Southern Africa, Good Governance Africa, the European Union Delegation to South Africa, and fellow European bilateral chambers.
Hosted at the Sky Hotel Sandton, the programme featured a keynote address by Dr Max Burger‑Scheidlin, Executive Director of the International Chamber of Commerce Austria and a globally recognised authority on governance and compliance. We extend our sincere appreciation to all our members for attending and enriching the conversation with their insights and engagement.
Informal Networking Drinks Event - 28 May 2026
Date: 28 May 2026
Thank you to all who joined ABCSA for our social networking event at Truffles on the Park in Sandton. The strong turnout highlighted our shared commitment to building meaningful connections among members. It was a delightful evening shared with colleagues and friends, and we look forward to hosting you at our next event.
ENS Employment Law Update Engagement Event - 06 May 2026
Date: 16 April 2026
The Australian Business Chamber of Commerce Southern Africa was pleased to collaborate with the British Chamber of Business in Southern Africa on an insightful Labour Law Update session, hosted in partnership with ENS and fellow bilateral European chambers. The discussion unpacked the evolving framework for dismissals under the new Code of Good Practice, forthcoming amendments to the BCEA and LRA, and the shifting parental leave landscape following recent constitutional developments. Our sincere thanks to ENS and the British Chamber of Business in Southern Africa for their generosity and valued partnership.
Overview on Australian Government’s perspectives on current political and economic developments in SA Event – 16 April 2026
Date: 16 April 2026
It was a pleasure to welcome the incoming Australian Deputy High Commissioner Nazia Nur to South Africa and to the Australian Business Chamber of Commerce (Southern Africa). She provided us very valuable insights on the perspectives of the Australian government regarding the evolving regional and global geopolitical and economic shifts as it relates to Australia and South Africa. In these uncertain and challenging times, it was encouraging to hear about the cautious optimism and the opportunities that are emerging for countries and the business community. We would like to thank her for speaking to us and look forward to further engagements during her time here.
The 2026 B-BBEE Structural Shift Event - 30 March 2026
Date: 30 March 2026
On 30 March, we joined the British Chamber of Business in Southern Africa for a timely and insightful discussion on the future of B‑BBEE. In partnership with BEE Novation and generously hosted by Xpatweb, the event featured a keynote address by Commissioner Mr Tshediso Matona, followed by a dynamic panel exploring the latest proposed amendments and their implications for business.
Xpatweb - Cocktails, Conversations & Corporate Connections Event - 18 March 2026
Date: 18 March 2026
Xpatweb hosted its Corporate Client Networking Cocktail event on 18 March 2026, which brought together leaders from across banking, energy, mining, telecommunications, financial services, manufacturing, logistics, and retail sectors. The event provided a valuable platform for insightful discussions, new introductions, and the strengthening of meaningful professional relationships.
Australian Mining in Africa Reception Event - 9 February 2026
Date: 6 February 2026
On 9 February, the Australian Government hosted the third Australian Mining in Africa event to promote and celebrate Australia’s contribution to African mining.
Sponsored by PayDirt Media, Sandfire Resources, Worley, Theta Gold Mines and the Australian Business Chamber of Commerce (Southern Africa), mining ministers from Angola, Ghana and Kenya delivered keynote addresses promoting their countries’ investment credentials. Ministers from Lesotho, Namibia and Somalia were also present.
Their keynote addresses reiterate the potential across Africa in the resources sector and the importance of Australia’s knowledge and expertise to unlock this potential.
A record 270 guests attended (30 per cent increase on 2025), including high-level government delegations from Africa and the US, and many Australian companies (e.g. BHP, Rio Tinto, Perenti and Worley).
EngineerConnect Johannesburg Event - 6 February 2026
Date: 6 February 2026
On 6 February, we joined EIT Johannesburg at their EngineerConnect session—a fantastic gathering of engineering professionals and future engineers! The event focused on practical skills in energy, automation, and infrastructure that are shaping South Africa’s engineering future. Representing ABCSA, our Deputy Chairperson, Yvonne Lekalakala, shared her insights on the wide range of opportunities an engineering qualification offers young graduates and trainees.
Thank you to EIT Johannesburg for hosting such an inspiring event and for driving conversations that matter to the future of engineering in South Africa.
AAMEG/ABCSA - Johannesburg Connections & Canapes Event - 4 February 2026
Date: 4 February 2026
On 4 February, ABCSA had the pleasure of co‑hosting our inaugural Johannesburg Connections & Canapés event in conjunction with the Australia‑Africa Minerals & Energy Group (AAMEG).
Given the importance of the Mining Indaba to the African market, we felt it was a great opportunity to host an event prior to the Indaba in Johannesburg for those that were able to attend as a pre-cursor to the Indaba in Cape Town. The event was extremely popular and there were wide ranging conversations regarding the mining and resources sector in Africa. It was fantastic to connect with familiar faces and meet new ones as we geared up for Mining Indaba.
We would like to extend our sincere thanks to the event sponsors—Ansaman Partners, ATS, CrossBoundary Energy, and Elba Afrika—for their generous support. A special thank‑you also goes to AAMEG for the opportunity to collaborate on such a successful event.
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