As the representative body for ICT in South Africa's public higher education sector, HEITSA works to advance best practices and strengthen digital transformation across universities. NATE is the organisation's flagship annual event, providing a platform for ICT executives, technical specialists and strategic partners to explore emerging technologies and address the evolving needs of higher education.
The hybrid conference attracted some 200 in-person delegates, with many more participating virtually. Throughout the programme, attendees engaged in thought-provoking plenary sessions, concurrent technical streams and exhibitions covering a range of topics shaping the future of higher education ICT.
These included sustainable IT operations, ICT governance, cybersecurity, enterprise architecture, artificial intelligence, cloud technologies, digital adoption, and the integration of audiovisual technologies into institutional environments.
Lutho Nduvane and Lubabalo Lokwe
The conference was officially opened by Lutho Nduvane, Acting Deputy Vice-Chancellor: People & Operations at Nelson Mandela University, who welcomed delegates and highlighted the importance of collaboration and innovation in advancing the higher education sector through technology.
Delivering the keynote address, Lubabalo Lokwe, Chief Information Officer at Nelson Mandela University, encouraged delegates to view technology not only as an operational necessity but as a strategic enabler of institutional excellence. His address underscored the role of digital innovation in supporting teaching, learning, research and the long-term sustainability of universities.
Hosting NATE 2026 reflects Mandela University's continued commitment to innovation, digital transformation and sector-wide collaboration. The conference provided an important opportunity for universities and industry partners to exchange ideas, share practical solutions and strengthen partnerships that will shape the future of ICT in higher education.
HEITSA extended their appreciation to the University for successfully hosting NATE 2026. They completented the University on the outstanding hospitality, professionalism and dedication, which contributed significantly to the success of the conference, creating an environment that encouraged meaningful dialogue, collaboration and the exchange of knowledge across South Africa's higher education ICT community.