Durban HR Conference & Expo Set to Bring Fresh Energy to KwaZulu-Natal on 15 July 2026
Following a highly successful and energising HRworks HR Conference & Expo recently hosted in Johannesburg, HRworks is now turning its attention to Durban, where HR professionals from across KwaZulu-Natal will gather at the aha Gateway Hotel on 15 July 2026 for what promises to be one of the region’s leading HR events of the year.
Having hosted HR conferences for more than 15 years, HRworks has built a strong reputation for creating community-driven events that bring together HR leaders, practitioners, and industry experts to share practical insights, meaningful conversations, and real-world strategies shaping the future of work in South Africa.
The recent Johannesburg conference drew over 100 HR delegates and received exceptional feedback from attendees, speakers, and exhibitors alike. Delegates praised the event for its practical relevance, high-calibre speaker line-up, collaborative networking environment, and thought-provoking discussions around AI, reward trends, leadership, culture, employment law, and strategic HR transformation.
Now, HRworks is excited to bring that same energy and momentum back to Durban - a city known for its vibrant business community and growing HR leadership landscape.
A Speaker Line-Up Focused on the Real Challenges Facing HR
The Durban HR Conference & Expo has been carefully curated to address the most pressing challenges and opportunities currently facing HR professionals in South Africa.
Confirmed speakers include:
- Dr Mark Bussin – Group Lead Advisory Director at 21st Century
Topic: Total Rewards – What is Trending Globally (Fasten Your Seatbelt!)
A dynamic and future-focused session unpacking global remuneration trends, changing workforce expectations, retention strategies, and the evolving role of reward in attracting and retaining talent. - Johnny Goldberg – CEO of Global Business Solutions
Topic: Employment Law & Case Law Update
One of the conference’s most anticipated sessions, covering recent case law developments, workplace compliance risks, and practical employment law guidance for HR leaders. - Dan Stillerman – Founder of Excel Academy
Topic: A Practical AI Guide for HR Leaders and Teams
A highly practical session exploring how HR professionals can work alongside AI as a “thinking partner” to improve productivity, decision-making, and operational efficiency. - Themba Chakela – Head of People, Culture & Change at e-Motion
Topic: From Fragmentation to Force Multiplier: People & Culture as a System
An insightful look at how HR functions can move beyond siloed activity to become integrated systems that drive measurable business impact. - Naeem Timol – Group HR Executive at Pedros
Topic: From Support Function to Business Driver: Redefining HR in a High-Growth, High-Pressure Environment
A strategic session focused on repositioning HR as a true business driver in fast-paced organisations. - Shehnaaz Kajee – Head of HR at HBZ Bank
Topic: Crafting the Employee Experience (EX)
An informative and practical session exploring strategies that foster a positive employee experience and ensure its sustainability within organisations. - Nokukhanya Mkhize – Strategic HR Manager at Kukhanya Energy Services
Topic: Leading with Purpose: Embedding HR Strategy Through Servant Leadership, Culture, and People Development
A forward-thinking session exploring how HR leaders can strategically shape organisational culture, leadership effectiveness, and business performance through purpose-driven and people-centric leadership approaches. In addition to expert-led sessions, delegates can expect a vibrant exhibitor showcase, networking opportunities, lucky draws, and the unique collaborative atmosphere that HRworks conferences have become known for.
Master of Ceremonies
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Clelland Kruger – Head of Learning & Development at Metropolitan
MC for the Durban and Cape Town HR Conference & Expo 2026
Bringing energy, warmth, and a passion for people development, Clelland Kruger will serve as MC for the Durban conference. Known for her dynamic facilitation style and ability to ignite meaningful conversations, Clelland creates engaging spaces where HR professionals feel inspired, connected, and motivated to think differently about leadership, learning, and workplace impact.
HR Professionals Looking for Practical Value
According to HRworks founder Adria Bulpitt, there is growing demand for HR events that move beyond theory and focus on practical, relevant solutions.
“HR professionals are navigating enormous change- from AI and skills shortages to leadership challenges, employment law complexity, and changing workforce expectations. Our goal is to create an environment where HR leaders can learn from one another, gain practical insights, and leave feeling inspired, connected, and re-energised.”
The Durban event is expected to attract HR executives, HR managers, business leaders, talent specialists, learning and development professionals, and service providers from across KwaZulu-Natal and beyond.
Looking Ahead to Cape Town
Following Durban, HRworks will host its flagship 15th Annual HR Conference & Expo in Cape Town on 8 October 2026 at D’Aria Wine Estate.
The Cape Town conference has grown into one of South Africa’s most established and highly anticipated HR events, regularly attracting more than 200 HR professionals from across the country.
Event Information – Durban HR Conference & Expo 2026
📍 Venue: aha Gateway Hotel
📅 Date: 15 July 2026
🎟️ Ticket Price: R2999
🔥 First 50 bookings: R2400
For more information about the event and to book – click here.
Exhibitor and sponsor options are availalbe - send an enquiry to
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