Day 1 - Wednesday, 15 October 2025

08:00 - 09:00
Rise & Shine: Registration & Welcome Coffee
Delegates Check-In & Networking
Coffee & Light Refreshments
09:00 - 09:05
Singing of the National Anthem
UniZulu Choral Choir
09:05 - 09:10
Welcoming Address
Cllr ZP Myeni, Acting Mayor of eThekwini Municipality 
09:10 - 09:20
Message of Partnership, Platinum Sponsor: Microsoft
Vukani Mngxati, Chief Executive Officer, Microsoft South Africa 
09:20 - 09:25
KZN's Commitment to Digital Transformation
Cllr X Dube, KZN Chairperson SALGA
09:25 - 09:40
Keynote Address: The Role of Digital Transformation in KwaZulu-Natal's Future
Hon. Thamsanqa Ntuli, Premier of KwaZulu-Natal
09:40 - 09:45
Official Signing of the Digital Transformation Strategy Pledge
09:45 - 10:05
Entertainment by UniZulu Choral Choir
10:05 - 10:35
Panel Discussion: Big Data Analytics Implementation within Provincial Government

Speakers:
Dr Sandile Mbatha, Founder, SM Digital Africa
Harry Thema, DDG: South African National Statistics System (SANSS), StatsSA
Helen North, Chief Director: Policy & Research, Office of the Premier
Dr Ray Ravhudzulo, Director: Public Sector Business, Microsoft

 
Moderator:
Dr Ntabeni Jere, Lecturer Computer Science, IS&T, UKZN
10:35 - 11:05
Demo Session

Speakers:
Dr Sandile Mbatha, Founder, SM Digital Africa (National Strategic Hub)
Helen North, Chief Director: Policy & Research, Office of the Premier (Digital Information and Innovation Hub)
Mbali Khambule, Policy Analyst, eThekwini Municipality (eThekwini Strategic Hub)

11:05 - 11:15
Spark Session: Introduction to Public Service Data Governance
Mandla Ngcobo, Chief Information Officer, DPSA
11:15 - 13:00
Innovation Showcase & Startup Pitch Session
10 selected startups pitch digital solutions that cover one of the digital transformation strategy pillars
 
Pitches will have 5mins to pitch and 5mins for Q&A
13:00 - 14:00
Networking Lunch
14:00 - 15:00
Breakaway Sessions

Digital Infrastructure, Connectivity & Integration, Facilitated by MTN
Digital Skills, Inclusion & Social Empowerment, Facilitated by Microsoft
Cybersecurity, Data Governance & Ethical Leadership, Facilitated by Huawei
Public Sector Digitisation & Smart Service Delivery, Facilitated by Telkom
Digital Economy, Innovation & Sector Transformation, Facilitated by Vodacom

15:00 - 15:20
Fireside Chat - Public-Private Partnerships for Digital Growth

Speakers:
Sikhumbuzo Ngcobo, Managing Director, IBM Consulting, Southern Africa & Emerging Markets

Moderator:
Ntuthuko Ndamane, Chief Information Officer, Provincial Transport
15:20 - 15:40
Ignite Talk - Unlocking Tech Frontiers: Opportunities for Tomorrow’s Entrepreneurs

Speakers:
Thabani Mazibuko, Chairman, SA Space Technology for Sustainable Development

Moderator:
Julian Felix, Head Product and Sectors, Standard Bank Group
15:40 - 16:00
Closing Keynote - The Road Ahead for KZN's Connectivy Footprint
Dr Nkosi Khumalo, General Manager: SME and Indirect Channels, MTN
16:00 - 17:00
Networking & Exhibition