From Policy to Practice: Advancing Spatial Planning in South Africa Conference

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Venue: Garden Court Marine Parade, Durban

Date: 25-26 March 2026

Two days. Seven experts. Transform your practice.

Join South Africa's premier spatial planning forum. Explore SPLUMA, land reform, climate resilience, and smart city innovations with leading experts. Engage with policymakers, planners, legal experts, and developers addressing South Africa's spatial future. Earn CPD points while gaining practical solutions for municipal planning, land use conflicts, and sustainable development.

Insights from thought leaders shaping the future of spatial planning

Featured Speakers

Nashlan Govender

Professional Town Planner @ Town Planning Zone

Dr. Nonhlanhla Ngcobo

Lecturer @ Faculty of Law, North‑West University

Professor Walter Musakwa

Full Professor @ Department of Geography, Environmental Management and Energy Studies, University of Johannesburg

Dr. Melandri Steenkamp

Researcher @ Global Environmental Law Centre

Full Professor

Full Professor @ Department of Development Planning and Management, University of Limpopo

Dr Soraya Beukes

Human Rights Lawyer & Academic @ Dullah Omar Institute

Is This For You?

WHO SHOULD ATTEND

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.

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Days of impact
Explore sessions shaping South Africa’s planning future

Conference Programme

DAY ONE: FOUNDATIONS & POLICYDAY ONE: LAW & MUNICIPAL PRACTICEDAY TWO: SUSTAINABILITY & TECHNOLOGYDAY TWO: INNOVATION & SPECIAL FOCUS
08:30–09:00Welcome & Registration13:15–14:45Session 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 Break09:15–10:45Session 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 Break15:00–16:30Session 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
Four compelling reasons to join South Africa's premier spatial planning forum

Why This Conference Matters

Professional Development Points Full attendance certified

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

World-Class Speaker Faculty 7 distinguished speakers

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.

12 Focused Sessions 20+ contact hours

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.

Cross-Sector Engagement 40+ delegates expected

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.

Implementable Solutions Real-world case studies

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.

One pass. Full access

Delegate Registration

Delegate Pass

Your entry to the full two‑day conference.

    • ✅ Access to all sessions and keynotes
    • ✅ Networking breaks and lunches
    • ✅ Printed programme guide
    • ✅ Access to speaker slides (where available)
Conference Experience

Be part of South Africa’s leading spatial planning dialogue.

Spotlight
    • ✅ Two days of expert presentations
    • ✅ Opportunities to meet peers and speakers
    • ✅ Access to discussion forums during sessions
    • ✅ Official participation record
All‑Inclusive Access

Everything you need to join, learn, and connect.

    • ✅ Entry to plenary and breakout sessions
    • ✅ Refreshments during scheduled breaks
    • ✅ Networking lunch with delegates
    • ✅ Event updates via email and website
Your Questions Answered

Conference Essentials

Will I receive CPD points for attending this conference?

Yes. SACPLAN accredited. Full attendance required for certification.

Who should attend?

Planners, municipal officials, legal practitioners, developers, academics, and stakeholders.

What's included?

All sessions, materials, meals, networking, and CPD certificate.

Can I attend one day only?

Contact us to discuss. Full attendance recommended for CPD points.

Will I get materials afterward?

Yes. Digital access within 2 weeks of the event.

Where should I stay?

Garden Court Marine Parade (venue) or nearby Durban beachfront hotels. Contact us for assistance.