Johannesburg, 05 Oct 2018
![ISACA annual conference 2018.](https://www.itweb.co.za/static/pictures/2018/10/resized/-fs-ISACA-Annualconference.xl.jpg)
The annual ISACA South Africa Chapter Conference was held at the Sandton Convention Centre, in Johannesburg, recently. The event's theme was: "The Future is Now!" and attracted 435 attendees.
The event was opened with a welcome address by the ISACA South Africa Chapter President, Arlene-Lynn Volmink. The conference provided in-depth insight on emerging trends, best practices and the tools and techniques required to survive and thrive in the ever-more complex world of information systems landscape. This platform also created the opportunity for attendees to connect with experts, thought leaders and fellow information systems and business professionals.
The audience was enlightened by the knowledge and insights of industry experts, both local and international. Keynote speakers included Musa Kalenga (Founder and CEO of Bridge Labs), Jonathan Cherry (Innovation Consultant and Entrepreneur) and Pieter Hancke (Solutions Architect in the Security and Compliance Domain).
The programme featured a variety of sessions, including three panel discussions on 'Blockchain Beyond Bitcoin', 'Designing Digital South Africa: Innovation, Smart Cities, Tech Hubs and Cyber Security', and 'Data Governance, Privacy, and Integrated Thinking'. The panels comprised both local and international industry subject matter experts.
ISACA South Africa is actively collaborating with professional bodies and organisations that foster common values and strive for similar outcomes to help realise the positive potential of technology. This has been achieved through memorandums of understanding that outline initiatives and activities to engage, upskill and grow the profession in partnerships. In line with ISACA South Africa's 2018-2020 strategy, the Chapter is proud to announce that the memorandum of understanding between ISACA SA and the Wits University Links Centre, was signed during the annual conference.
![Kenneth Palliam (Vice-President: ISACA SA Chapter), Graeme Huddy (winner of the Tichaona Zororo Excellence Award) and Arlene-Lynn Volmink (President: ISACA SA Chapter)](https://www.itweb.co.za/static/pictures/2018/10/resized/-fs-ISACA-PresidentandWinner.xl.jpg)
The ISACA South Africa Chapter hosted its annual awards for the second year running. These are the highest honours bestowed by the Chapter on individuals in the appreciation of their active roles in the field of technology, information and cyber security, governance, risk and innovation in South Africa.
The purpose of the awards is to:
* Recognise and reward excellence and professionalism in these fields;
* Attract and retain high-calibre individuals in the profession; and
* Motivate members towards innovation and continuous improvement.
2018 Annual Chapter Award winners were:
* Contribution Award: Dr Brett van Niekerk (Senior Lecturer, University of KwaZulu-Natal)
* Winston Hayden Leadership Award: Andrew Turpin (Acting Chief Technology Officer, Grindrod Bank)
* Tichaona Zororo Excellence Award: Graeme Huddy (IT Manager, Knysna Municipality)
* Max Blecher Innovation Award: Sergie Reddy (Senior Manager: ICT Audit, South African Reserve Bank)
* Young Professional of the Year Award: Nomashni Naidoo (IT Governance, Risk and Compliance, Grindrod Bank)
* President's Award: Dr Lucienne Abrahams (Director and Senior Lecturer, Link Centre, Wits University)
* Best 2017 Conference Presenter Award: Ziyanda Masiza (Public Speaker and Business Coach, Inavit iQ)
The sponsors and exhibitors displayed their services and products, while the catering, venue, entertainment and the cocktail evening (themed "Night at the Circus") encouraged networking among the delegates, sponsors, speakers and board members.
![Attendees letting their hair down and having fun at the networking function.](https://www.itweb.co.za/static/pictures/2018/10/resized/-fs-ISACA-conferenceattendees.xl.jpg)
The ISACA South Africa Chapter would like to acknowledge the continued support of its sponsors and express appreciation for the several sponsored prizes that added to the delegates' excitement.
* Diamond sponsor: Wolters Kluwer TeamMate
* Platinum sponsor: Microsoft
* Silver sponsors: Ernst & Young and Deloitte
* Mobile App and WiFi sponsor: BST Technology
* Display sponsors: Mobius Consulting and Phinity Risk Solutions
Exhibitors:
* Association of Certified Fraud Examiners South Africa (ACFESA)
* Institute of Internal Auditors South Africa (IIA SA)
* University of Witwatersrand LINK Center
* The Institute of Information Technology Professionals South Africa (IITPSA)
* ISC2
* Institute of Commercial Forensic Practitioners (ICFP)
![BST Technology also sponsored 70 bottles of wine, which were given away as random lucky draw prizes during the conference.](https://www.itweb.co.za/static/pictures/2018/10/resized/-fs-ISACA-twoladiesandgent.xl.jpg)
2019 marks ISACA's 50th year anniversary. As part of this milestone celebration, ISACA's headquarters, based in the United States, has selected South Africa to host its Africa CACS event. This conference aims not only to provide participants with an opportunity to establish professional networks, but to also share practical knowledge and to foster a better understanding of emerging risks, IT governance and control practices. The Africa CACS 2019 conference will take place at Sandton Convention Centre from 19 to 20 August 2019. Watch this space for more details.
![ISACA annual conference 2019.](https://www.itweb.co.za/static/pictures/2018/10/resized/-fs-ISACA-annualconference2019.xl.jpg)
Contact:
ISACA South Africa:
E-mail: admin@isaca.org.za
Web site: www.isaca.org/south-africa
Phone: (+27) 10 140 6577
Participate in the ISACA Knowledge Centre: www.isaca.org/knowledge-center
Follow ISACA South Africa on Twitter: https://twitter.com/ISACAZA
Join ISACA South Africa on LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/company/isaca-south-africa
Like ISACA South Africa on Facebook: www.facebook.com/ISACAZA
Follow ISACA South Africa on Instagram: ISACA SA Chapter
Subscribe to the ISACA South Africa YouTube channel:
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UChmcznsOR-YecfPrPXZ5csQ
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