2026 RAEI Workshop & 19th Annual General Meeting

Registration of delegates, networking and refreshments. Delegates have an opportunity to connect with colleagues from across the Higher Education sector before the commencement of the workshop.

Presenter: Peet du Plessis

Welcome by the Chairperson of the RAEI Management Committee, Ms Kaylin Hollenbach.

Leading Through Change: Building Future-Ready Universities Through Operational Excellence

Higher Education is experiencing unprecedented transformation driven by financial constraints, digital disruption, changing workforce expectations and increasing governance demands. This keynote will inspire delegates to rethink the role of HR, Rewards, Benefits and Payroll professionals as strategic partners in institutional success rather than administrative support functions.

Navigating the Payroll Landscape: Taxation & Statutory Update 2026.

Presenter: Mr Dumisa Sihawu, Head of Global Employer Services, BDO Tax Services.

An interactive technical workshop providing delegates with the latest taxation, payroll and statutory developments affecting Higher Education Institutions.

Topics include:
• Latest SARS legislative developments
• Payroll taxation updates
• Recent tax rulings affecting employers
• Statutory compliance obligations
• Emerging payroll risks
• Practical payroll case studies
• Interactive question and answer session

Navigating the Payroll Landscape: Taxation & Statutory Update 2026.

Presenter: Mr Dumisa Sihawu, Head of Global Employer Services, BDO Tax Services.

Exploring how institutions can balance transformation, internationalization, compliance, talent attraction and institutional sustainability while navigating an increasingly complex regulatory environment.

Presenter: Dr. Valile M Dwayi, Executive Director of Internationalization at CUT. 

14:15–14:30 — Introduction and framing: 10 minutes

The facilitator introduces the purpose of the session, identifies the common challenges facing institutions and explains the expected outcomes.

14:30–14:50 — Statutory compliance and lessons from payroll audits: 20 minutes

• Managing statutory compliance risks in Higher Education; and
• Lessons learnt from payroll audits.

The discussion should focus on recurring audit findings, governance weaknesses, segregation of duties, statutory deadlines, system controls and practical risk-mitigation measures.

Discussion leaders: Nelson Mandela University delegation

14:50–15:15 — Remuneration restructuring and increasing benefit costs: 25 minutes

• Converting employees from Basic Plus Benefits to a Total Guaranteed Package; and
• Managing negative non-pensionable allowances arising from increasing benefit costs.

Delegates could explore affordability, employee consultation, communication, pensionability, contractual implications, change management and lessons from institutions that have already undertaken similar conversions.

Discussion leaders: NMU delegation

15:15–15:40 — Hybrid work, workforce flexibility and productivity: 20 minutes

• Hybrid work and workforce flexibility; and
• Productivity in a changing workplace.

The discussion should move beyond whether hybrid work should be permitted and instead examine governance, accountability, performance measurement, service-delivery standards and which roles are reasonably suited to flexible work arrangements.

Discussion leaders: University of the Western Cape delegation

16:00–16:20 — Employee wellbeing, future skills and institutional attractiveness: 20 minutes

Bring together:

• Employee wellbeing and engagement;
• Skills for the future; and
• Universities as employers of choice.

The discussion could examine how universities can build future-ready capabilities, retain scarce skills, support employee wellbeing and strengthen their employee value propositions within constrained financial environments.

Discussion leaders: University of the Western Cape delegation

16:20–16:30 — Recommendations and close: 10 minutes

The facilitators record:

• The principal risks and challenges identified;
• Practical solutions already being implemented by institutions;
• Areas requiring further research or guidance;
• Opportunities for collaboration between institutions; and
• Recommended topics for future RAEI engagements.

Management Committee Members & Peet du Plessis

An interactive team-based quiz.

Designed to promote networking, collaboration and knowledge sharing in a fun and engaging environment.

An evening of networking, entertainment, music, dancing and celebrating the Higher Education community.
Theme: Denim & Dazzle
Dress Code: Informal