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Dear Principal

It is with great excitement that the ACSI team invites you to attend the ACSI National Principals Conference 2026, to be held from the 28th to 30th May in Durban, KZN.

As I’m sure that all who attended the 2025 conference in Stellenbosch will agree, it was an incredibly special time of worship and fellowship, top quality speakers and excellent meals, in a beautiful setting. As much as it has been a tough act to follow, the ACSI team has located what we believe will be an equally attractive location, conducive for a time of rejuvenation and drawing closer to the Lord.

We are thus pleased to announce that the 2026 conference will be hosted at the iconic Southern Sun Elangeni and Maharani on Durban North Beach. Located on the beachfront, with views of the Indian Ocean and the promenade, it promises to be a meaningful occasion for all who attend.
“Are you tired? Worn out? Burned out on religion?
Come to me. Get away with me and you’ll recover your life. I’ll show you how to take
a real rest. Walk with me and work with me – watch how I do it.
Learn the unforced rhythms of grace. ” Matt 11: 28-30

CONFERENCE PROGRAMME

As we did in 2025, we will be reaching out to speakers who will hopefully ‘fill your tank’ . The quality and range of speakers from the 2025 conference was a noteworthy aspect of the time together and we trust that those who form the line-up for 2026 will be equally powerful. The theme verse of the conference will be Matthew 11:28-30, and we trust that the conference will be a time of enjoying God’s ‘unforced rhythms of grace’. We will also ensure that plenty of time is left open for connecting with principals from across the country and for building relationships.

The conference will begin on Thursday, 28th May, and for the 2026 conference, because of the generosity of the hotel, will also include lunch on both Thursday and Saturday. Registration and check-in will be from 14h00 , followed by the opening and first plenary session at 15h00. A more detailed programme will be sent to all delegates once we have finalised the speakers. The conference programme will end at 11h15 on Saturday 30th May, followed by lunch before you either start your travels back or enjoy some time in Durban.

ACSI PRINCIPALS

We have specifically focused this conference on the principals of ACSI schools. However, we do know that some of our larger schools have deputies running the primary and high school, while the principal takes on
more of an executive function. We would welcome those deputies who operate in such a structure.

SPOUSES

Should you wish to bring your spouse along to the conference, you would be most welcome to do so. Kindly note, though, that it would be at the same rate as other delegates attending the conference and
there will be no separate programme for spouses

CONFERENCE PACKAGES

The cost of the conference is all inclusive: accommodation, all meals, a soft drink at meals, tea and coffee
during the day, and conference fees are covered. There should be no other hidden costs besides your
transport costs to and from Durban and the venue, any other activities of your choosing, and your flights, if
applicable. The cost of the conference is as follows:

Standard shared accommodation:

R4 850,00 per person (two people in a room, sharing with a spouse or a colleague). Should you not be sharing with a spouse, and you know of a same-sex colleague with whom you would like to share, kindly indicate the person’s name on the registration form.

Standard single accommodation:

R6 450,00 per person (only you in the room).

Day Conference:

Based on our experience of the past two conferences, principals who stayed at the venue gained the most from the experience and the opportunity to network. However, should those staying close to the venue wish to make use of the day rate only (excluding bed and breakfast but including lunch and dinner on Thursday and Friday and lunch on Saturday), the conference day rate will be R2 950,00 per person.

Should you wish to pay off the amount, kindly indicate your payment preference in the
registration form.

REGISTRATION

To register for the ACSI National Principals
Conference 2026, click on the button on the right.

Register here

SEA VIEWS

The hotel has both full and partial sea views. We will endeavour to ensure that all delegates are placed in full sea-facing rooms, but this may be determined by when your booking is confirmed. The deadline for registrations and full payment is 24 April 2026.

TRANSPORT TO AND FROM THE AIRPORT

Due to it being difficult for us to
keep these costs down for our
delegates and the changing
logistics of a big conference
group, we will not be offering
this service for 2026. A list of
providers and the information
on how to book will be
provided closer to the time.

GOLF AND OTHER ACTIVITIES

A list of activities that are
available at or near the hotel
will be provided at a later stage
to delegates, so that you can
include this in your planning.
Arrangements for these events
will be made directly with the
vendors by the delegates and
will not be organised through
the ACSI office.

EXTRA ACCOMMODATION

The hotel has kindly offered
the same conference rate to
delegates who would like to
book extra accommodation on
either or both Wednesday, 27th
and Saturday, 30th of May.

We look forward to welcoming you to what we trust will be a very special time of connecting, of engaging with top speakers, and of spending some time away from the rigours of running a school. Should you have any questions regarding the conference, feel free to contact Nicole Thomas (nicole_thomas@acsi.org).