As artificial intelligence reshapes entry-level employment and South Africa continues to grapple with youth unemployment and skills shortages, business, government and education leaders face an increasingly urgent challenge: preparing people for a changing world of work. These issues took centre stage at the 11th Annual Future of HR Conference, powered by the South African Local Government Association (Salga), which brought together more than 500 HR professionals, business leaders, government representatives, academics and industry innovators at the Indaba Hotel in Fourways, Johannesburg, on 14–15 October 2026.
Organised by Topco Media, one of South Africa’s leading business media, research and events companies, Future of HR forms part of a portfolio of influential platforms connecting business leaders, recognising excellence and driving economic growth. With more than 25 years of experience, Topco also owns and convenes Standard Bank Top Women, Top 500 Best Managed Companies and Africa Tech Week, bringing together leaders across business, technology, government and society to inspire better business and meaningful progress.
Guided by the theme HR Without Boundaries: Connecting Capable People, Performance Enabling Technology and National Progress, the conference explored how organisations can respond to technological disruption, strengthen people strategies and build workforces equipped for the future.
3 priorities shaping South Africa’s workforce
1. Preparing young people for an AI-driven economy
Two panel discussions, Skills Can’t Wait: Rethinking the Public-Private Partnership and Artificial Intelligence and the Future of Entry-Level Jobs in South Africa, examined the relationship between youth employment, skills development and technological change. Sanlam, Vodacom South Africa and Salga highlighted the need for stronger collaboration between government, academia, schools and employers to strengthen foundational skills, align education with industry requirements and expand work-integrated learning.
As AI changes the nature of entry-level work, coordinated investment in young people will be essential to bridge the gap between education and employment and create sustainable career pathways.
Topco Media CEO Ralf Fletcher emphasised the economic urgency of the challenge:
“South Africa cannot solve its unemployment crisis without solving its skills crisis. And we cannot solve our skills crisis by preparing young people for jobs that technology is already changing. Business, government and educators need to work together, with urgency, to create opportunities for the next generation.”
2. Building healthier, more resilient workforces
Dis-Chem Pharmacies explored the whole employee experience through health, belonging and growth, highlighting the role of everyday wellbeing in supporting engagement and performance. Lizeth Kruger, clinic executive at Dis-Chem, emphasised prevention, accessible healthcare and the importance of leaders modelling healthy habits.
Alexforbes examined how employee benefits and total rewards can strengthen the employee value proposition, helping organisations attract and retain talent while responding to changing employee needs.
3. Connecting people through purposeful technology and capable leadership
MyMobile and Samsung explored how mobile technology, Galaxy AI and secure digital tools can connect and empower frontline, shift-based and remote employees.
Salga brought the public-sector perspective, focusing on municipal capability, professionalisation and the need to attract, develop and retain skilled professionals in local government. Salga CEO Sithole Mbanga reinforced the importance of investing in people, stating that “capable municipalities require capable people”. He highlighted ethical leadership and institutional capacity as foundations for accountable, financially sustainable municipalities that deliver reliable services, support economic growth and advance national progress.
Turning conversations into connections
Beyond the stage, Future of HR 2026 created opportunities for delegates to exchange experiences, challenge assumptions and connect with peers navigating similar workplace challenges.
The event’s matchmaking platform facilitated 271 mutually confirmed business connections, with delegates agreeing to share contact details and connect beyond the conference. The outcome demonstrated the value of creating opportunities for meaningful engagement alongside discussions about the future of work.
Interactive activations, including quizzes, prize draws and Virgin Active’s Mindful Minutes, also encouraged delegates to engage, recharge and reflect on the importance of wellbeing.
Banele Mgwevu, founder of ITSAGO, reflected on the value of the experience:
“Speaking at the 2026 Future of HR Conference was a highlight of my year. Being on stage alongside leaders from Vodacom and JA South Africa was invaluable, and the connections I made through the matchmaking platform have already led to follow-up meetings. I’d recommend the event to anyone shaping the future of work in South Africa.”
Building a more capable, connected workforce
Future of HR 2026 reinforced a central message: South Africa’s workforce challenges cannot be addressed in isolation. Preparing young people for an AI-driven economy, strengthening employee wellbeing and building capable institutions require collaboration, purposeful technology and leadership that puts people at the centre of progress.
As organisations navigate a rapidly changing world of work, HR has an increasingly important role to play in connecting business priorities with skills development, employee experience and long-term economic participation.
With appreciation to our sponsors
Platinum partner: Salga (South African Local Government Association) Silver Partners: Alexforbes, Dis-Chem Pharmacies, MyMobile/Samsung
Showcase counter partners: Trending Talent Solutions, SA Business School, Mancosa, Raizcorp, Bridging and Associates, Godrej Consumer Products, T&T Academy, SourceWorx, Etapath, National Housing Finance Corporation (NHFC), Newbridge Training Institute, LaMI, City Power Johannesburg, Ornecy
Silver impact sponsors: Public Protector of South Africa, SANDF, University of Johannesburg
Bronze impact sponsors: Lazar PTY Ltd, Postbank, GCIS
Awards category sponsor: Salga, Ornecy
Strategic partner: SABPP
Media partners: Primedia Out of Home, Glynt Group, Guardian Report, AI Impact, Xenor Projects, Nala Media, Sunday World
Travel partners: 2gether Travel, Zoway Rentals
Lifestyle partners: Virgin Active, GQ Tissues, Foursight IT, Shara Hair, GALXBOY
View the full event factsheet and our sponsors here and programme here.
For information about future events, sponsorships and partnerships: az.oc.ocpot@gnitekram
