IMPRESSIVE LINE-UP OF EVENTS COMING TO THE DURBAN ICC
Durban, South Africa – The Durban International Convention Centre (Durban ICC) is preparing to welcome thousands of delegates, visitors and eventgoers over the coming months with an exciting and diverse programme of conferences, congresses, exhibitions, concerts, and public events that will once again position Durban as one of Africa’s leading destinations for business events and live entertainment.
From major national conferences that will shape public policy and professional practice, to internationally recognised concerts and large-scale consumer events, the Durban ICC’s calendar for the remainder of 2026 reflects the Centre’s unique ability to host events of every scale and sector, while generating significant economic benefits for Durban, KwaZulu-Natal and South Africa.
Speaking about the upcoming programme, Durban ICC Chief Executive Officer, Ms Lindiwe Rakharebe, said the breadth of events demonstrates the Centre’s important role as both an economic catalyst and a platform for knowledge exchange, innovation and community engagement.
“The Durban ICC has always been much more than a venue. Every event we host creates opportunities for businesses, supports our tourism industry, facilitates knowledge sharing and brings people together to collaborate, celebrate and inspire one another. We are excited to welcome another outstanding line-up of events that will showcase Durban’s world-class event hosting capabilities while contributing meaningfully to our local economy.”
The programme begins with the South African Optometric Association (SAOA) Conference, bringing together eye-care professionals from across the country, followed by the SABPP Annual People Factor Conference, where human resource professionals will explore the future of people management and organisational development.
Music lovers can look forward to the highly anticipated Shimza X Friends 2026, which promises an unforgettable celebration of South African house and dance music, while the 25th South African Association of Public Administration and Management (SAAPAM) Conference will welcome senior government leaders, academics, and policymakers to the Centre.
The conference is expected to provide an important platform for dialogue on the future of governance and public sector leadership.
One of the year’s flagship conferences will be the SITA GovTech 2026 Conference, where technology and innovation will take centre stage, while bringing together government leaders and technology specialists to discuss the digital transformation of public services.
October continues the momentum with several high-profile professional gatherings, including the CIGFARO Conference, the 4th National Pharmacy Conference, the South African Council of Shopping Centres Congress, the Institute of Municipal Engineering of Southern Africa (IMESA) Conference, and the ISCC International Conference. Each will bring together industry leaders to exchange knowledge, strengthen professional networks and explore innovative solutions to the challenges facing their respective sectors.
The Durban ICC will also host several major public events, including the uplifting A Night of Praise & Worship, expected to draw thousands of worshippers from across the province, followed later in the year by the much-loved Spirit of Praise Volume 12, continuing the Centre’s tradition of hosting inspirational faith-based events that unite communities through music and worship.
Maritime leaders will gather for the South African Shipping Gala, celebrating excellence within one of KwaZulu-Natal’s most important economic sectors, while environmental sustainability and water security will take centre stage during the Africa & Global South Water and Sanitation Dialogue 2026, bringing together regional and international experts to address one of the continent’s most pressing developmental priorities.
The year will conclude with one of Durban’s largest annual public events—the Durban Summer SOUK—which is expected to attract approximately 100,000 visitors during the festive season, further reinforcing the Durban ICC’s role as a premier destination for exhibitions, shopping experiences and family entertainment.
Ms Rakharebe said the diversity of the calendar reflects the Centre’s ability to serve multiple sectors while continually delivering world-class experiences. “Whether we are hosting a scientific congress, a government summit, a major music production, a faith gathering or a consumer exhibition, our commitment remains the same—to deliver excellence in every event entrusted to us. Each gathering contributes to Durban’s reputation as a destination where ideas are exchanged, partnerships are formed, businesses grow and communities come together.”
As the Centre prepares to welcome thousands of delegates and visitors over the coming months, the Durban ICC remains committed to delivering exceptional service while continuing to create lasting economic, social and developmental value for Durban, KwaZulu-Natal and South Africa. “Every event represents an opportunity to showcase Durban to the world. We look forward to welcoming delegates, performers, exhibitors and visitors to our city, while continuing to demonstrate why the Durban ICC remains one of Africa’s most respected and award-winning convention centres.”, concluded Rakharebe.
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Upcoming Event Highlights at the Durban ICC
| Event | Dates |
| South African Optometric Association (SAOA) Conference 2026 | 27-29 August |
| SABPP Annual People Factor Conference | 3-4 September |
| Shimza X Friends 2026 | 3-6 September |
| SITA GovTech 2026 | 21-23 September |
| 25th SAAPAM Conference | 27 September – 1 October |
| CIGFARO Conference | 6-8 October |
| 4th National Pharmacy Conference | 11-13 October |
| South African Council of Shopping Centres Congress | 19-21 October |
| A Night of Praise & Worship | 24 October |
| ISCC International Conference | 26-30 October |
| IMESA Conference | 27-30 October |
| South African Shipping Gala | 13 November |
| Africa & Global South Water and Sanitation Dialogue | 23-26 November |
| Spirit of Praise Volume 12 | 28 November |
| Durban Summer SOUK 2026 | 24 December – 3 January |
Issued by: The Inkosi Albert Luthuli International Convention Centre (Durban ICC)
For more information contact: Durban ICC Marketing & Communications Executive – Sandile Makhanya, 031 360 1192 or sandilema@icc.co.za