Venue: Garden Court Marine Parade, Durban
Date: 25-26 March 2026
Professional Town Planner @ Town Planning Zone
Lecturer @ Faculty of Law, North‑West University
Full Professor @ Department of Geography, Environmental Management and Energy Studies, University of Johannesburg
Researcher @ Global Environmental Law Centre
Full Professor @ Department of Development Planning and Management, University of Limpopo
Human Rights Lawyer & Academic @ Dullah Omar Institute
This conference is for leaders, planners, lawyers, developers, and community groups working in land and cities. It’s a simple way to meet others, share ideas, and help guide South Africa’s future planning.
| DAY ONE: FOUNDATIONS & POLICY | DAY ONE: LAW & MUNICIPAL PRACTICE | DAY TWO: SUSTAINABILITY & TECHNOLOGY | DAY TWO: INNOVATION & SPECIAL FOCUS |
|---|---|---|---|
| 08:30–09:00Welcome & Registration | 13:15–14:45Session 2 Land, Rights & Development - Land reform - Expropriation - Customary land | 09:00–09:15Day Two Opening Reflections from Day One and setting the agenda | 13:30–15:30Session 6 Applying Planning Law to Complex Development Contexts - Informal settlements, housing, and legal regularisation |
| 09:00–10:3009:00–10:30 Opening Keynote & Context Setting The Future of Spatial Planning in South Africa | 14:45–15:00Tea Break | 09:15–10:45Session 4 Sustainable & Resilient Spatial Planning - Climate, environment, and resilient growth | 16:30–17:00Conference Close Key takeaways, certificates, and formal adjournment |
| 10:30–10:45Tea Break | 15:00–16:30Session 3 Municipal Planning in Practice - IDPs & SDFs - Compliance & disputes | 10:45–11:00Tea Break | \ |
| 10:45–12:15Session 1 Legislative & Policy Framework - SPLUMA in practice - NDP & spatial impact | 16:30–17:00Day One Wrap-Up Key insights, reflections, and what lies ahead | 11:00–12:30Session 5 Technology, Data & Innovation - Smart cities, GIS, and digital planning tools | |
| 12:15–13:15Networking Lunch | |||




















This conference is accredited by the South African Council for Planners (SACPLAN) and recognised professional bodies. Participants will earn valuable CPD points toward maintaining professional registration and advancing career development. Footer: Full attendance certified
Our carefully selected faculty brings decades of combined experience in spatial planning, land use management, and sustainable development. Learn from practitioners and thought leaders driving transformation across South Africa's built environment.
Two full days covering legislative frameworks, land rights, municipal planning, climate resilience, smart city technology, and special focus areas including mining, coastal planning, heritage protection, and affordable housing solutions.
Join municipal managers, spatial planners, legal practitioners, developers, academics, and community stakeholders in dialogue that bridges silos and builds partnerships for transformative spatial planning outcomes.
Walk away with practical frameworks, legal precedents, and proven strategies you can immediately apply to your projects. From SPLUMA compliance to land use conflict resolution, gain tools that transform policy into practice.
Your entry to the full two‑day conference.
Be part of South Africa’s leading spatial planning dialogue.
Everything you need to join, learn, and connect.
Yes. SACPLAN accredited. Full attendance required for certification.
Planners, municipal officials, legal practitioners, developers, academics, and stakeholders.
All sessions, materials, meals, networking, and CPD certificate.
Contact us to discuss. Full attendance recommended for CPD points.
Yes. Digital access within 2 weeks of the event.
Garden Court Marine Parade (venue) or nearby Durban beachfront hotels. Contact us for assistance.