South Africa, a nation brimming with possibilities is grappling with a myriad of challenges that are putting a heavy strain on the ailing economy. From relentless power outages and ageing infrastructure to runaway inflation and unemployment, South Africa now teethes on the brink.  

These are just some of the issues that will take centre stage at the 2023 edition of the Strategic Risk Leadership Conversations on Higher Education (SRLC-HE) Conference, to be hosted at the University of Johannesburg (UJ). Held under the theme, "Embracing Technology and Managing Risks in the Evolving World Amid Current African Challenges," the conference will provide a dynamic platform for industry experts, researchers, academics, and policymakers to explore best practices in risk management in the higher education sector.  

The conference's central theme focuses on the transformative potential of the Fourth Industrial Revolution technologies, including Artificial Intelligence (AI), robotics, the Internet of Things (IoT), 3D printing and blockchain. 

Ms Freda Madungandaba, Director of Risk and Assurance at UJ, said research and technology-driven solutions can be formidable catalysts to overcome the ongoing problems besetting South Africa and unlock its potential. “This journey is riddled with risks that range power crisis, ageing infrastructure, fiscal challenges facing the government that are compounded by cybersecurity and other forms of crime,” she said.   

The 2023 SRLC-HE conference will feature a wide array of experts who will partake in research paper presentations, panel discussions, interactive workshops, and networking. Additionally, there will be exhibition space for institutions to exhibit their risk management projects and services. UJ’s Vice-Chancellor and Principal, Professor Letlhokwa Mpedi will deliver the opening address.  

The topics to be discussed will be comprehensive and all-encompassing, and will include, but are not restricted to:  

Power crisis 

Ageing infrastructure  

Financial sustainability 

Cybersecurity threats  

Climate change 

Speakers at the conference include UJ’s Prof Michele van Eck; Head of Department: Private Law, Dr Randall Carolissen; Johannesburg Business School (JBS) Dean, Professor Tankiso Moloi; JBS Director: Academic, Dr Alistair Mokoena; Google South Africa, Alwie Lester; Special Advisor to the Western Cape Premier, Dr Phethiwe Matutu; CEO: USAf, and Sustainability enthusiast Amanda Khoza from Root Kauz Konsult among others. The conference will be hosted by academic and activist Khaya Sithole. 

Conference Details:                                                              

Date: Tuesday, 21 November 2023 

Venue: UJ Arts and Culture,  

  Kingsway Avenue & University Road 

  University of Johannesburg  

Time: 08:00am 

Conference Set-up: Hybrid (In person and online)

Note to the journalist/news editor/producer:

Media is invited to attend the 2023 edition of the Strategic Risk Leadership Conversations on Higher Education (SRLC-HE) Conference 

To join the conference and view the programme, register here: https://strategicrisk.flockplatform.com/ep/?event=2023-Strategic-Risk-Leadership-Conversations-on-Higher-Education--SRLC-HE-RSVP

Issued by: 

Mpiletso Motumi

Multimedia Content Producer: Strategic Communication

University Relations

Tel: +27 11 559 6463

Cell: +27 82 052 7800