5th iNet International Conference, 26 28 November 2008

The iNet South Africa network was launched in 2003 with a conference in Cape Town. The event brought together 25 principals from both the UK and South Africa, and was the catalyst for continued partnerships between schools, educators and learners. Links are also being formed with schools in other African countries, including Uganda, Botswana, Mauritius and Namibia. Over 80 schools in South Africa have now affiliated to iNet.

The South African government has adopted a school transformation route based on the concept of focus schools. This has many similarities to the specialist schools programme in the UK, and the Specialist Schools and Academies Trust and individual schools are offering help and assistance.

In 2005, conferences and seminars were organised for South African members by the local steering group, iNet and our local partner organisation, Khanya. The 2005 conference in Cape Town hosted 200 local and international delegates. Key speakers from South Africa included Cameron Dugmore, South African Minister for Education, and Brian O’Connell from the University of the Western Cape, with Professors David Hopkins and David Hargreaves attending from the UK. African principals continue to be major contributors to iNet global events. There has been enormous African contribution to a variety of leadership and development projects.

Company links are also valued and encouraged. We have tremendous local support from Ramesys, RM, 2Simple, Granada Learning and DataHarvest.

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