SAPA GAUTENG PROVINCIAL CONFERENCE 2026
Conference Details
Theme: Future-Forward Leadership: From Functional to Progressive Schools
Date
4-5 June 2026
Early Bird Registration Cost
R2 100
16 April - 15 May 2026
Late Registration Cost
R2 300
16 May - 25 May 2026
Non-member Cost
R2 500
Dress Code
Day 1 - Thursday, 4 June 2026
Formal: Black and white with a touch of orange | Ladies: Orange scarf available at the venue for R50
Day 2 - Friday, 5 June 2026
SAPA Gauteng golf shirt with blue denims
Venue
Emperors Palace - 64 Jones Rd, Kempton Park, Johannesburg, 1620
Program Directors
Ms Mazaka
Day 1 Program Director
Mr Tlhaveni
Day 1 Program Director
Mr Simango
Day 2 Program Director
Ms Hlahle
Day 2 Program Director
Ms Ledwaba
Speaker
Ella Mokgalane
Nadira Sookdeo
Mr Ralephatha - Speaker
Mr Reuben Ralephata, CES School Governance, Gauteng Department of Education. He’s highly experienced on School Governance matters at schools including being the Provincial Electoral Office for Gauteng SGB elections since 2003. A former Principal himself so it’s someone who understands issues faced by Principals.
Siphamandla Zondi - Speaker
Siphamandla Zondi is a professor of politics at the University of Johannesburg with expertise in research management and policy engagement. He heads up UJ’s Institute for Global African Affairs. As a volunteer in the Devoted Citizen NGO and People Matter Foundation, he is involved in comprehensive support for quintile 4-5 schools through leadership training, mobilising support and psychological support. As a member of the National Planning Commission, he champions evidence-based public action. Zondi is committed to empowering others to build a resilient and prosperous society.
Ramasela Josephine Lekalakala - Biograpghy
She holds the following qualifications:
• Senior Primary Teacher’s Diploma (SPTD), with distinctions in School Management and Teaching Practice
• BTech in Education Management
• Advanced Certificate in Education (MST), with distinction in Technology
• BEd Honours in Education Management, Leadership, Law and Policy
• MEd in Education Leadership
Ms Lekalakala’s career in education spans several decades. She began as a Post Level 1 educator at Uthando Primary School and Wallmansthal High School. In 1997 she was appointed Departmental Head at Kgotlelelang Primary School, serving until 2009. She then served as Deputy Principal at Kgoro Primary School from 2009 to 2014, and at Reabetswe Primary School from 2014 to 2015. Since 2015, she has been Principal of Padisago Primary School, providing strategic and transformational leadership.
She has extensive experience in leadership and management, coaching, mentoring, and delegation, with a focus on educator development and capacity building. Her leadership style is grounded, assertive, supportive, and creative, with an emphasis on developing others into leaders and fostering professional growth among staff.
Ms Lekalakala remains dedicated to advancing education and strengthening professional practice within the sector.