- Legal Indaba 2026 is set for 28 August at the Birchwood Hotel and OR Tambo Conference Centre in Boksburg.
- More than 20 judges, advocates, attorneys, academics and legal executives are scheduled to address delegates during the event.
- The conference programme will focus on AI, women in law, economic growth, wellbeing, innovation and ethical leadership.
The South African legal community will gather in Johannesburg on Friday 28 August 2026, when Legal Indaba 2026 brings together senior judges, advocates, attorneys, academics, government leaders and corporate counsel for a national conversation about the future of law.
The conference will be held at the Birchwood Hotel and OR Tambo Conference Centre in Boksburg. This year’s theme is “Advancing Law. Inspiring Change”. The event runs from 8am to 5pm and offers keynote addresses, panel discussions, networking sessions and practical professional development.
Acclaimed broadcaster and Vodacom Journalist of the Year Kgomotso will serve as programme director, guiding the day’s proceedings and ensuring engaging discussions throughout the event.
Public Protector to open the conference
Public Protector Advocate Kholeka Gcaleka will give the opening keynote address. She will speak about the evolving role of legal practitioners in advancing justice, innovation and ethical leadership.
She will be followed by Christine Qunta, chairperson of the Legal Sector Charter Council, who will deliver a special keynote on equality, inclusion, representation and transformation across South Africa’s legal sector.
AI takes centre stage at the conference
Artificial intelligence will feature prominently during one of the conference’s flagship panel discussions. The session will bring together Vaxowave co-founder Kume Luvhani, University of Johannesburg Executive Dean of Law Professor Charles Maimela, Wits senior lecturer Dr Nomalanga Mashinini, Legal Interact director Raphael Segal and MTN legal manager Candy Musekene.
The discussion will explore how AI is transforming legal research, contract analysis and access to justice. Afterwards, Carina Wessels, Chief Governance, Risk and Compliance Officer at Alexforbes, will deliver a keynote on responsible AI governance and ethical implementation within South Africa’s legal framework.
Women in law and judicial leadership
Women’s leadership will be another central focus of the programme. A panel chaired by Hlengiwe Mtetwa will feature Phetheni Nkuna, Noémi Muya, Bertha Shabangu and Sarah McKenzie. They will discuss barriers, breakthroughs and leadership opportunities for women in the legal profession.
Honourable Justice Lebo Modiba, Acting Deputy Judge President of the Gauteng Division, Johannesburg, will examine representation, mentorship and creating pathways for the next generation of women judges.
Economic growth and transformation
Minister of Small Business Development Stella Tembisa Ndabeni will talk about how legal and regulatory frameworks can strengthen small businesses, improve access to investment and expand meaningful economic participation.
Later, Professor Lindelwa Mhlongo will deliver an address titled ‘Transformation, Sustainable Economic Growth and the Rule of Law. A Decolonial Project for South Africa’. She will explore how law can address historical inequality while supporting inclusive prosperity.
A separate panel on inclusivity, diversity and transformation will feature Adela Petersen, Dr Chantelle Feldhaus, Maleboge Lekwane and Saney Mbatha.
Wellness, careers and innovation
The afternoon programme will focus on sustaining legal careers. Law Society of South Africa chief executive Charlene Louw will deliver the wellness keynote. This will be followed by a practical resilience session led by Mageba Wellness executive director Siphesihle Ndaba.
Delegates will also hear discussions on leadership during times of disruption, retaining young legal talent and exploring alternative legal careers.
Intellectual property specialist Mpumelelo Mazibuko will look at how lawyers can become strategic innovation partners in the age of technology.
Ethical leadership closes the day
The conference will close with Advocate Pule Godwin Seleka SC, chairperson of the Legal Practice Council, delivering the closing address. He will focus on reinforcing ethical leadership, transparency, accountability and constitutional values within South Africa’s legal profession.
Get your news on the go. Click here to follow the Conviction WhatsApp channel.
