Accelerating digital leadership for
business growth and resilience
7 & 8 May2026
Day 1: 10:00-20:00Day 2: 09:30-14:30
The Palace of the Lost City, Sun City
The role of the Chief Information Officer (CIO) has always been complex, and it continues to evolve at an unprecedented pace. Increased digitalisation, the rise of automation and AI, and growing demands for innovation mean CIOs must stay abreast of local and global trends, but also navigate broader business priorities. Remaining effective requires balancing operational efficiency, technological advancement, and strategic foresight.
The ITWeb Brainstorm CIO Survey, offers a unique view of how South Africa’s CIOs have navigated both technological and business environment change. The 2025 findings reveal that CIOs are no longer seeking strategic recognition but are expected to drive business outcomes alongside the CEO and CFO. Our respondents emphasised business and leadership acumen over technical expertise, reflecting a role that has consolidated its influence: most CIOs now sit on executive committees and nearly half report directly to the CEO.
However, this increased influence brings greater scrutiny from boards and executive teams.
To address these evolving challenges, ITWeb is proud to present the ITWeb Brainstorm CIO Retreat 2026. Taking place from 7-8 May 2026 at the luxurious Palace of the Lost City, Sun City. This exclusive two-day retreat offers CIOs from across industries a unique opportunity to connect, collaborate, and share insights on the issues shaping the CIO agenda today.
This retreat offers an unparalleled environment to network with South Africa’s leading technology executives in a private and exclusive setting. The programme features four focused CIO Roundtable discussions across the two days, an inspiring keynote from a thought-provoking independent speaker to kick off the retreat, gourmet meals, luxury accommodation and engaging entertainment.
What makes this retreat unmissable
Exclusive, invitation-only gathering of South Africa’s top CIOs and IT leaders.
Fresh insights from the ITWeb Brainstorm CIO Survey 2025.
High-impact roundtables addressing the most urgent CIO challenges.
Inspiring keynote to spark strategic thinking and innovation.
Rare opportunity to connect and collaborate in a private, luxury setting.
Two days dedicated to focused discussions away from day-to-day pressures.
Roundtable themes
From Legacy to Intelligent Enterprise
With over 40% of CIOs already deploying AI, how are South African organisations balancing cloud adoption, data modernisation, and measurable business outcomes?
Securing the Digital Core
With cybersecurity ranked as the top CIO priority, what approaches are driving resilience, compliance, and trust in an increasingly complex environment?
Doing More with Less
With budgets under pressure, how are CIOs leveraging automation, outsourcing, and workforce strategies to deliver innovation and efficiency?
The CIO as Growth Architect
How are CIOs shaping strategy, enabling new value streams, and collaborating with partners to drive competitiveness across the South African economy?
Designed for forward-thinking CIOs
Attendance is strictly by invitation only. An exclusive gathering of South Africa’s top CIOs, senior IT leaders, and digital transformation executives, decision-makers driving innovation, technology strategy, and the future of their organisations. From SA's top corporates, key public sector organisations and parastatals.
Other attendees will include senior vendor representatives, industry analysts and selected members of the media.
Venue
The Palace of the Lost City
Sun City, Rustenburg, 0316
Phone: 014 557 4307
www.suninternational.com/palace
Nestled on an extinct volcanic site in the heart of the Pilanesberg mountains, the Palace of the Lost City has captivated visitors since 1992 with its legendary beauty and grandeur. This icon of African luxury offers an unforgettable escape for pleasure seekers (lovers of opulence). This luxury five-star hotel in Sun City has integrated the beauty of its surroundings into its design and architectural and interior themes from the legend of a lost African tribe to capture the essence of The Palace. From richly woven colours, elephant tusks and jungle cascades, and artist Danie de Jager’s bronze wildlife sculptures, every element of this masterpiece tells a story. More than a hotel, The Palace is a celebration of African myth and design, making every stay a journey into imagination and heritage.
Click here to see directions.
