Accelerating digital leadership for
business growth and resilience
5 & 6 November2026
Day 1: 10:00-20:00Day 2: 09:30-14:30
Ivory Tree Game Lodge in thePilanesberg Game Reserve
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 27-28 August 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
Ivory Tree Game Lodge
Kgabo Drive, Bagatla Gate, Pilanesberg National Park, 0316
Phone: 014 556 8100
www.ivorytreegamelodge.com
5 Star Luxury Game Lodge - Pilanesberg Game Reserve, South Africa Ivory Tree Game Lodge lies in the heart of the Pilanesberg Game Reserve. The reserve is set within the crater of an ancient volcano – one of the largest of a very rare formation. This ancient configuration comes hand-in-hand with various indicators of the presence of early man in the region. This is showcased through the numerous Stone and Iron Age sites that are scattered throughout the Park. This exquisite Pilanesberg lodge offers you a variety of room options. Looking for a little adventure too? At Ivory Tree Game Lodge – adventurous outdoor activities include quad biking, archery, airguns, and more.
Click here to see directions.
