MUT Empowered Administrators Conference

EAC 2026 DAY 1: A POWERFUL START!

Day 1 of the EAC Conference 2026 got off to an incredible start, bringing together powerful conversations, thought provoking insights, meaningful connections and an atmosphere of collaboration and knowledge exchange.

The day continued into a memorable Gala Dinner, creating an evening filled with fun, laughter and celebration as we honoured the dedicated administrators who play an invaluable role in keeping our institutions moving forward.

It was a special opportunity to unwind, connect and recognise the people working behind the scenes whose commitment and contributions continue to make a lasting impact.

From insightful discussions to unforgettable moments of celebration, Day 1 set the tone for an exciting and meaningful conference and we are only getting started!

LEARNING CANVA AI AT EAC 2026!

Delegates at the Empowered Administrators Conference 2026 took part in an engaging group presentation focused on Canva AI. The session provided practical guidance on how to use AI-powered Canva tools to create professional, visually engaging content with greater ease and efficiency.

From exploring creative tools to discovering smarter ways of working, delegates are gaining practical digital skills that can enhance productivity in the modern workplace.

WELCOME TO EAC 2026!

Prof. Mathabeng Marcus Ramogale is officially welcoming delegates to the 2026 Empowered Administrators Conference, setting the tone for two days of learning, connection and meaningful conversations.

The EAC 2026 journey is underway!

Registrations Underway for the EAC Conference!

The excitement is building as registrations continue for the 2026 Empowered Administrators Conference (EAC)!

Taking place from 17–18 September 2026 at the Gateway Hotel, Umhlanga, the conference brings together administrators and professionals under the theme “AI-Enabled Office Excellence: From Support to Strategic Leadership.”

As delegates come together to learn, connect and share insights, preparations are in full swing for an engaging and impactful conference focused on shaping the future of the modern workplace.

Preparations are in full swing! The Empowered Administrators Conference, themed “AI-Enabled Office Excellence: From Support to Strategic Leadership,” is set to bring administrators and professionals together to explore AI, innovation and the future of the modern workplace.

A heartfelt thank you to all our delegates for joining us and contributing to this exciting platform. We look forward to learning, connecting, sharing ideas and shaping the future of office excellence together!

[Press release statement]

15 September 2026

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

OVER 200 DELEGATES TO GATHER FOR THE 2026 EMPOWERED ADMINISTRATORS CONFERENCE FOCUSING ON AI AND STRATEGIC LEADERSHIP

Over 200 delegates will convene for the annual Empowered Administrators Conference (EAC), taking place from 17 to 18 September 2026 at the Gateway Hotel in Umhlanga, Durban. Organised by the Department of Marketing and Communications (MarComms), this year’s conference is themed ‘AI-Enabled office excellence: From support to strategic leadership’, highlighting the rapidly evolving role of administrative professionals in modern, technology-driven workplaces.

The conference marks a significant milestone in the history of the Institition, drawing representatives from industry as well as the majority of South Africa’s 26 public universities. Notably, the University of the Witwatersrand (Wits) will be joining the conference for the first time.

Jade Mthiyane, Events Organiser at the Department of Marketing and Communications, noted that enthusiasm for this year’s gathering is particularly high among attendees and participating institutions.

Approaching a decade and half of its existence, the EAC remains a vital platform for professional development, networking, and capacity building. The initiative directly aligns with the MUT IGNITE2030 Strategy, reinforcing a broader commitment to institutional excellence, innovation, and strategic leadership development.

The key event highlights are: AI Skills Workshop. This will take place on the first day of the event. Attendees will gain hands-on, in-depth skills on how to leverage Artificial Intelligence (AI) to solve everyday challenges in their working environments.

On the second day of the event there will be a hackathon the will be provided by Adminovata Thon & Masterclass. Participants will apply their newly acquired skills during a hackathon-style challenge designed for administrative and support staff. Awards will be presented for the best ideas, best teamwork, and most sustainable solutions.

There will also be a live Magic Studio Masterclass hackathon. These hackathons are hosted in partnership with Canva South Africa, which is sponsoring three months of free access to Canva Pro for all delegates. This sponsorship ensures attendees can continue applying and refining their skills long after the conference concludes.

About the Empowered Administrators Conference (EAC)

Running for over 12 years, the EAC is dedicated to empowering administrative staff through continuous learning, innovation, and strategic leadership training.

About Mangosuthu University of Technology

Mangosuthu University of Technology (MUT) offers career-focused education and conducts applied research to drive technological innovation, societal development, and economic growth in South Africa.

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Kindly cite Mbali Mkhize, Senior Director: Department of Marketing and Communications, MUT.

Email: [email protected] | Web: www.mut.ac.za

Contact: [email protected]

Mobile: 082 432 1805

View Programme: https://www.mut.ac.za/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/EAC-Programme-09-11-2026.pdf

EAC Website: www.mut.ac.za

Home - Mangosuthu University of Technology We are a township located University, one of only six universities of technology in South Africa. Our founder Prince Mangosuthu Buthelezi gave the promise in 1979 – when we opened with just fifteen students – that our mandate would be to transform the lives of the disenfranchised.

Preparations are in full swing for the 2026 Empowered Administrators Conference (EAC), taking place 17–18 September 2026 at the Gateway Hotel, Umhlanga, Durban, with nearly 180 delegates already registered.

This year’s theme, “AI-Enabled Office Excellence: From Support to Strategic Leadership,” will explore how AI and innovation can empower administrative professionals to become more strategic and effective in the modern workplace.

Delegates can look forward to insightful workshops, networking opportunities, a hands-on Magic Studio Masterclass, and the exciting Adminovata Thon a hackathon designed to turn ideas into practical solutions.

With participation from industry and public universities across South Africa, including Wits joining for the first time, EAC 2026 is set to be an inspiring platform for innovation, professional growth and leadership.

EAC 2025 Evaluation Form

Thank you for participating in the EAC 2025 conference. Your comments will enable us to better plan and execute future EAC conferences and tailor them to meet your needs by completing a short online evaluation. Click on the link below.

forms.office.com