Knowledge Hub

Explore Student Cities
South Africa 2026

Speaker keynotes, press releases, research and policy documents, and downloadable resources from the South African Student Cities Network — in one place.

Dr. Pali Lehohla, Former Statistician-General of South Africa

Dr. Pali Lehohla

Former Statistician-General of South Africa · Director, Economic Modelling Academy · Professor of Practice, University of Johannesburg

One of South Africa's foremost statisticians, development economists and public policy thought leaders. Dr. Lehohla led Stats SA's national statistical system from 2000 to 2017. His masterclass address explores Student Cities, Talent Agglomeration and the Knowledge Economy — drawing on global research into how universities, TVET colleges and student populations drive economic growth, innovation and urban competitiveness.

View at the National Indaba →
Sandile Hlayisi, Anchor, Program Director and Moderator

Sandile Hlayisi

Anchor, Program Director & Moderator · Chairperson, Global Youth Liaison, United Religions Initiative

A respected youth development practitioner and global youth leader dedicated to intercultural dialogue, social cohesion and youth empowerment across more than 110 countries. Sandile presents on Skills Development, Employment and Local Labour Markets for Vibrant Student Cities and serves as programme director across the National Indaba.

View at the National Indaba →
For Immediate Release

Student Cities Virtual Press Conference — 31 July 2026

SASCN officially unveils its national and continental digital platforms, the Public Policy Dialogue Series, and the South African National Student Cities Indaba, via Microsoft Teams, 12:00–14:00.

Download Press Release (PDF) →
Press Club Launch

South African Students Press Club Launch & Student Cities Policy Debate

Hosted by Amantle Matlotlo Media with Tshwane FM 93.6, launching a national network of journalism and media cadets reporting on student life across South Africa's student cities.

View Programme →
Draft Programme

South African National Student Cities Indaba: Draft Programme Framework

The draft programme for the National Indaba positions South African university towns as leading study destinations, from opening keynotes to summit resolutions.

Download Programme (PDF) →
Town & Gown Engagement

Cape West Coast Town & Gown Community Stakeholder Engagement

Strengthening Town-Gown-Community partnerships for inclusive growth, skills development and sustainable community upliftment in the Cape West Coast District. West Coast TVET College, Atlantis Campus, 15–16 October 2026.

View Event Details →
National Symposium

Student Mobility in Student Cities Symposium 2026 — UJ Johannesburg

Reimagining student mobility through smart systems and student-centred solutions for the future of higher education in Africa. University of Johannesburg Business School, Friday 30 October 2026.

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Town & Gown Engagement

City of uMhlathuze Town & Gown Community Stakeholder Engagement

Building partnerships, shaping futures and strengthening communities in Richards Bay. SASCN and Crisp Green Tech in partnership with uMhlathuze Local Municipality, 19–20 November 2026.

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2027 · Continental Flagship

African Study Destinations and Travel Indaba 2027 — Umhlanga

Positioning Africa as the premier global study destination. The Capital Pearls Hotel, Umhlanga, eThekwini Metropolitan Municipality, 6–8 May 2027. Hosted by the African Study Destination Network.

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Strategy Document

Integrated Communication & Marketing Strategy: From Consultation to National Framework

The Student Cities South Africa 2026 communications strategy positions the programme as a national policy coordination platform.

Download Strategy (PDF) →
Executive Proposal

Student Cities Public Policy Debate & Stakeholder Engagement

An executive partnership proposal with the City of Tshwane: building a student-centred city through public policy priorities for student communities.

View Proposal Cover →
Research Themes

Student Economy, Mobility & Urban Planning Research Architecture

Six research themes anchoring the national programme: student economy mapping, smart mobility, study destination branding, urban planning frameworks, graduate employability, and entrepreneurship & local economic development.

View Research Themes →
Policy Framework

Towards the South African Student Cities Framework

How the Public Policy Debate, thematic tracks and provincial input converge into a national policy framework adopted at the National Indaba in Tshwane.

View the National Indaba →