United Way South Africa Leadership Summit 2026
The Intelligent Shift
From Digital Transformation to AI-Driven Inclusive Growth
Artificial Intelligence is rapidly transforming how organisations operate, compete, and create value. From decision-making and supply chains to workforce development and innovation, AI is reshaping industries across the world.
The United Way Leadership Summit 2026 brings together CEOs, senior executives, professionals, digital leaders, and industry experts to explore how organisations can strategically leverage AI while ensuring that technological progress contributes to broader economic opportunity.
This one-day executive forum will provide a platform for meaningful dialogue, cross-industry learning, and practical insights on how leaders can navigate the opportunities and responsibilities created by artificial intelligence.
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Event Details
Date: Thursday, 28 May 2026
Time: 09:00 AM – 15:30 PM
Venue: Deloitte Building
5 Magwa Crescent East, Waterfall City
Midrand 1686, South Africa
Audience:
Corporate leaders, CEOs, senior executives, HR leaders, digital transformation leaders, innovation specialists, and professionals across industries.
Why Attend
The summit is designed to move beyond technical discussions and focus on the strategic leadership implications of AI.
Participants will gain insights on:
• How AI is reshaping competitiveness and productivity
• Governance, ethics, and responsible AI leadership
• Workforce transformation and reskilling strategies
• Opportunities for AI-enabled enterprise growth
• The role of technology in advancing inclusive economic development
• Cross-industry perspectives on innovation and digital transformation
The summit also provides valuable opportunities for executive networking and strategic partnerships.
A Brief Explanation of Inclusive AI
Inclusive AI refers to the responsible development and use of artificial intelligence in ways that create opportunities for a broader range of people, businesses, and communities.
Rather than focusing only on efficiency and automation, inclusive AI emphasises:
• Fair and responsible use of data
• Technology that considers diverse users and communities
• Expanding access to digital opportunities
• Supporting workforce participation through reskilling and upskilling
• Enabling small and medium enterprises to benefit from innovation
At the United Way Leadership Summit, the concept of inclusive AI reflects a commitment to ensuring that technological progress contributes not only to organisational success but also to sustainable and equitable economic growth.
Programme Highlights
The summit will feature a dynamic programme including:
• Opening leadership keynote
• Executive panel discussions
• Industry breakaway sessions
• Future of work and workforce transformation dialogue
• Strategic networking opportunities
Sessions will explore how AI is impacting sectors such as finance, manufacturing, retail, healthcare, education, technology, and professional services.
Registration
Seats are limited to ensure a high-quality executive environment and meaningful engagement.
🎁WEEKEND SPECIAL
R850.00
🛜 ONLINE REGISTRATION
R350.00
Registration includes access to the full summit programme, networking opportunities, and refreshments.
REGISTER HERE: https://forms.office.com/Pages/ResponsePage.aspx?id=tB2D5-lKVkmz8LMMP_J…
Register Your Interest
To register or request additional information, please contact:
Sonto
Email: events@unitedway.org.za
Phone: +27 (071) 075 1125
Meet our Guest Speakers:
Arthur Goldstuck
KEYNOTE SPEAKER
Meet Arthur Goldstuck – award-winning technology analyst, author, and commentator who helps businesses understand the tech trends shaping the future. He is founder of World Wide Worx, a leading research company focused on how technology impacts business and society. Arthur is the author of 21 books, publisher of Gadget.co.za, and a respected columnist for major South African publications. He has also served as a judge for global awards including Cannes, GSMA Mobile Awards, and AfricaCom.
Vukosi Sambo
KEYNOTE SPEAKER
Vukosi Sambo is a transformative technology leader in healthcare, leveraging Artificial Intelligence, data analytics, and cloud innovation to improve healthcare access and outcomes across South Africa and the African continent.
Currently serving as Group Chief Information Officer for PHA and Marara Group, Vukosi leads technology strategy across a large managed healthcare ecosystem, driving digital transformation that creates measurable impact for underserved communities.
He is also the author of Your AI Navigator and serves in several influential global and national roles, including:
- Oxford University Executive AI Programme Associate Educator
- Member of the South African National AI Strategy Recommendation Forum
- Gartner Peer Ambassador
- Enterprise Big Data Ambassador for Africa
Recognised globally for his leadership in AI and data innovation, Vukosi has been named among the world’s Top Data & AI Leaders and Innovators multiple times.
Charl Amin
KEYNOTE SPEAKER
United Way South Africa is excited to welcome Charl Amin, Partnerships Director at Microsoft South Africa, as a featured speaker at the Leadership Summit 2026.
Charl plays a pivotal role in driving strategic partnerships and helping organisations unlock value through AI transformation. With a strong focus on innovation, digital transformation, and business impact, she leads initiatives that empower businesses to harness the power of Microsoft technologies and become AI-led organisations.
Passionate about enabling meaningful outcomes through technology, Charl brings valuable insights into how Artificial Intelligence is reshaping industries, driving growth, and helping organisations navigate the future with confidence.
Timothy Findley, jr (USA)
GUEST SPEAKER
Meet Timothy Findley Jr. – CEO of ElderServe, Kentucky’s largest senior services organisation, and an internationally recognised leader in community development and inclusive growth. With over 20 years of executive experience, he is known for combining innovation, technology, and people-centred leadership to strengthen care systems and create equitable impact. Founder of the Justice and Freedom Coalition, he is also a respected global speaker on leadership, social innovation, and sustainable community transformation.
Valerie Labi (GHANA)
GUEST SPEAKER
We are proud to welcome Valerie Labi, Co-Founder & CEO of Wahu Mobility, as a guest speaker at the United Way South Africa Leadership Summit 2026.
Valerie Labi is a visionary entrepreneur driving sustainable innovation across Africa. As the leader behind Ghana’s first electric vehicle manufacturing plant, she is building a continent-wide e-mobility ecosystem projected to create over 100,000 climate-smart jobs by 2030.
Through Wahu Mobility’s innovative fleet-as-a-service platform, Valerie is redefining transportation by combining clean energy, digital innovation, and income-generating opportunities. Her work has also made global impact, with Wahu becoming one of the few e-mobility companies authorised to sell carbon credits under the Paris Agreement.
A recognised global leader, Valerie is a Mandela Washington Fellow, Emy Africa Woman of the Year (2024), and a champion for inclusive, sustainable growth.
Her voice aligns powerfully with our 2026 theme:
“From Digital Transformation to AI-Driven Inclusive Growth.”
Yolisa Heshula
GUEST SPEAKER
Meet Yolisa Heshula - She is a seasoned Technology and Operations Executive with over 22 years of experience driving enterprise digital transformation within the financial services sector. Currently the Chief Information Officer and Executive for Information Technology and Pension Administration at the EPPF, she possesses deep expertise in cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, and IT governance. Previously holding senior leadership roles at ABSA, Sanlam, and FNB, Heshula has also served as the Chairperson of the IT Risk Committee at ICASA and is recognized as one of South Africa's Top Women in STEM. She holds an MCom in Leadership Studies from the University of KwaZulu-Natal, a BSc from the University of Fort Hare, and is currently pursuing a BCom in Financial Management at UNISA
Yashmita Bhana
Guest Speaker
United Way South Africa is proud to welcome back Yashmita Bhana, CEO of Nihka Technology Group, as a featured speaker at the Leadership Summit 2026.Yashmita is a dynamic leader and trailblazer in the technology industry, known for driving innovation and breaking barriers in traditionally male-dominated spaces. From being the only woman in her engineering class to leading a successful technology group, her journey reflects resilience, visionary leadership, and determination.Beyond business, Yashmita is also passionate about social impact and community upliftment, using her platform to advocate for meaningful change and empowerment.
Kamogelo Radebe
Panel Moderator
Meet Kamogelo Radebe - She is a strategic leader with over thirteen years of experience in data strategy, governance, and risk management across the financial services and telecommunications industries. Currently serving as the Senior Manager of Data Governance and Management at MTN, she is recognized as a 2023 Global Inspiring Fifty-Africa winner for her impactful work improving data quality and sales performance at FNB. Her career highlights include establishing the Data Academy at Standard Bank and leading large-scale information management and compliance initiatives. Radebe holds a Master of International Business from Monash University and a BCom in Internal Auditing from the University of Pretoria, bringing a robust blend of technical expertise and strategic problem-solving to her work.
Zinhle Twala
MC
Zinhle Twala is a dynamic South African leader, communicator, and media personality, known for his work in radio and community engagement. A Pretoria native, he is a husband and father of two, with a background in sports and education from the University of Pretoria. For nine years, he has hosted on Impact 103 Radio and currently leads the Morning Drive Show, earning a 2024 Telkom Radio Awards nomination. He also anchors 3C Live and is a seasoned voice artist. Zinhle actively contributes to social causes through the Mahlasedi Foundation and various faith-based organizations, while professionally serving as Operations Manager and executive member at 3C Church, and Media Liaison for a national faith-based network.
Sponsorship Opportunities
Organisations interested in positioning themselves at the forefront of AI leadership and inclusive growth are invited to explore sponsorship opportunities for the summit.
For partnership enquiries, please contact the events team.