KR

HR Director Conference 2026

10–13 March 2026 | Protea Hotel Techno Park, Stellenbosch
SOUTH AFRICA

Driving People, Culture, and Performance in Times of Change

The essential strategic meeting for senior HR leaders is back

Designed for CHROs, HR Directors, and senior people leaders, this conference equips you with data-driven insights and practical tools to tackle today’s most urgent people challenges.

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Why Attend?

Exclusive insights grounded in data

Benchmark your HR strategies against fresh international findings and see where organisations are making real progress.

Future-ready strategies

Move beyond short-term workforce planning into skills-based approaches that address long-term capability needs.

 

 

Actionable solutions for talent

Discover how leading organisations are rethinking hiring, onboarding, and internal mobility to improve staying power.

 

 

Leadership development that works

Learn how to fix fragmented development systems and create feedback cultures that drive growth.

Employee experience with impact

Explore practical ways to tackle disengagement and re-energise employees before it turns into quiet quitting.

Technology and transformation

See how organisations are accelerating the use of generative AI and other HR technologies to unlock efficiency and impact.

High-level networking

Connect with senior HR peers who are navigating the same pressures in people, culture, and performance.

What You’ll Take Home

  • Fresh, global data-backed insights
  • Practical skills-based workforce planning frameworks
  • New approaches to hiring, onboarding, and retention
  • Leadership and feedback system redesign strategies
  • Revamped employee experience solutions
  • AI-enabled HR transformation models
  • Strategic peer connections with like-minded HR leaders
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PARTICIPATING ORGANISATIONS

Insights on 2026 Topics and Confirmed Speakers

The South African Labour Market: Context, Challenges, and the Road Ahead

Prof Haroon Bhorat
Most Quoted and Referenced Economist in Africa

Professor of Economics,
School of Economics, and Director, Development Policy Research Unit (DPRU), UCT

Building HR Leadership Across Africa: Coca-Cola’s Strategic People Agenda

Mure Wesigye

People & Culture Director, The Coca-Cola Company

People, Potential & Purpose: Building Inclusive Talent Strategies at RCL Foods

Tembi Topham

Human Resources Executive, RCL Foods

From Gym to Social Wellness Club: Aligning People with Strategy

Shireen Johnson

People Director, Virgin Active South Africa

Future-Fit Learning: Designing Digital Experiences that Build Organisational Capability

Thembi Myeni

Head of Digital Learning and Experience Design, Nedbank

Scaling People, Culture, and Performance: Building a Values-Driven HR Engine in Tech

Zan Chivell

Chief Human Resources Officer
Clickatell

Organisational Growth and Sustainability: Beyond Strategy into Living Systems

Giselle Courtney

Founder, South African Fynbos®

Breathe for Your Life! Resilience and Nervous System Regulation: Practical Tools for High-Pressure Environments

Lily Breuning Ellis

Life Coach, Counsellor, and Process Facilitator, Sanctuary of Light

Earning a Seat at the Board Table: How CHROs Can Strengthen Their Strategic Influence | Panel Discussion

Shirley-Zinn

Dr Shirley Zinn

Chair of Boards | Non-Executive Director

Transformation and Diversity: Losing Steam and Credibility?
| Panel Discussion

Prof Phinda Mzwakhe Madi

Chairman, Madi Investments & Professor of Practice, University of Johannesburg

Culture as Catalyst: Scaling Purpose, People & Growth

Colleen Carr

Group People Leadership & Culture Executive, Spur Corporation

Beneath the Busy: Rethinking HR’s Role in Employee Well-being

Learning and Development Conference 2025

Lauren Davis

Clinical Psychologist & Mental Health Coach for Leaders & HR Managers

Does HR Still Need Humans? Redefining the Role of People in the Age of AI

Sameera Mohamed

Human Resources Director, Microsoft

Visionary Leadership — Leading with Humanity & Collaboration | Case Study

Ruby Motloheloa

Head of Talent & Development, Woolworths Human Resources

… more to follow soon!

Our Past Speakers

Sinenhlanhla Magagula

Chief People Officer, Tiger Brands

Gary Cookson

Director, EPIC HR Ltd. (International – UK)

Tswelo Kodisang

Group Chief People Officer, First Rand Group

Shelagh Goodwin

HR Director, Media24

Anita Carollisen

Executive Head: People and Transformation, Takealot Group

Gerhard Hartman

Regional Vice-President for Medium Business, Sage Africa, and the Middle East

Nontokozo Hoyana

People & Culture Executive,
KFC – Rohloff Group

Robin Murray

Group HR Executive, Hisense SA Sales Holdings (Pty) Ltd

Zene Olivier

Head Human Capital Shared Services, Unitrans

Tshifhiwa Dombo

HR Industry & Customer Advisor, SAP

Past Attendees

Since 2009, the HR Director Conference has brought together South Africa’s most senior HR leaders and decision-makers — CHROs, HR Directors, academics, and industry experts — representing some of the region’s top organisations.

Year after year, attendees return because they know this is not just another conference. It’s a space for candid conversations, evidence-based insights, and practical solutions to the challenges shaping the future of work.

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What Attendees Can Expect

Expert-Led Sessions 

Hear from leading HR practitioners and business leaders on critical issues such as workforce resilience, AI in HR, succession planning, DEI, and employee wellbeing. 

Panel Discussions & Masterclasses 

Engage in open and honest conversations about the real challenges facing HR today, from retaining top talent to addressing change fatigue. 

Practical Takeaways 

Leave with actionable strategies you can implement immediately to increase HR’s impact within your organisation. 

Valuable Networking Opportunities 

Build connections with your peers, exchange experiences, and collaborate on best practices driving success in today’s workplace. 

Past Companies who Attend this Conference

… and more!

Protea Hotel Stellenbosch and Conference Centre

Techno Park, Stellenbosch

Experience the best of Stellenbosch at the Protea Hotel by Marriott Stellenbosch & Conference Centre, an ideal destination for both business and leisure. Perfectly positioned in Techno Park, the hotel is just 25 minutes from Cape Town International Airport, 40 minutes from Table Mountain, 30 minutes from the beaches of False Bay, and 45 minutes from the V&A Waterfront. Guests can also enjoy easy access to nearby attractions such as Stellenbosch University, Stellenbosch Town Centre, and the Blaauwklippen Vineyard.

Set against the majestic backdrop of the Stellenbosch mountains, the hotel offers modern conference facilities, intuitively designed accommodations, and warm hospitality in a relaxed Winelands setting. Rooms feature deluxe bedding, complimentary Wi-Fi, room service, and optional apartment-style suites with fully equipped kitchens for extended stays. Delegates can start their day with a hearty buffet breakfast at Cultivar Restaurant or unwind over dinner and drinks at Die Wingerd Restaurant — all while surrounded by vineyard views.

Beyond the conference, Stellenbosch offers a rich tapestry of experiences — from award-winning wineries and culinary excellence to art galleries, nature reserves, and wellness retreats, making it a destination that inspires both body and mind.

Plan Your Visit

Accommodation: Our room block at Protea Hotel Techno Park is already in demand—reserve early before we sell out!

Member Perk: KR Connect HR Community members save 20% on registration.

Looking for More?

We’ve Got You Covered. For deeper details on accommodation discounts, conference logistics, group partnerships, or sponsorship opportunities, our Conference Manager is ready to help.

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Download the conference brochure

Contains full programme and more information on our featured speakers coming soon!

Partner with Us!

Sponsorship & Exhibition options available!

For over a decade, KR has curated this premier event, attracting HR leaders who are influential decision-makers. Elevate your brand and establish robust business relationships, lead generation and a thriving pipeline through our sponsorship opportunities.

Benefits of becoming a partner:

  • Engage directly with current and potential business partners.
  • Forge significant connections, generate leads, and close sales.
  • Showcase your most recent product and service innovations.
  • Feature your executives through speaking opportunities that solidify your market position.
  • Access an elite networking platform with top HR decision-makers.
  • Demonstrate your products’ and solutions’ practical applications within our inventive conference agenda.
  • Select from a variety of sponsorship packages to fit any budget.

NOTE

This conference is not a large tradeshow. It is purposefully designed for networking, sharing, and learning. Therefore, sponsorship and exhibition spaces are selectively available.

For more information on our varied packages, please contact Katie van der Schyff at katie@knowres.co.za.