On behalf of the conference organising committee, I warmly welcome you to the 2021 Conference of the International Education Association of South Africa.

Our theme this year is Internationalisation, Inclusion and Social Justice – Towards a Fairer World.  We will have two days to spend together in our virtual conference spaces, and we trust that the learning and engagement with speakers from around South Africa – and indeed, the world – will open a window to new opportunities for international education in the post-COVID era.

I would like to acknowledge the tireless efforts of many volunteers, as well as our sponsors and supporters.  In particular, I would like to thank:

The universities of South Africa. IEASA exists to advocate, promote and support the internationalisation of Higher Education by providing a professional forum for institutions and individuals to address challenges and develop strategic opportunities in international education in Africa and the rest of the developing world. The annual conference is one such initiative, and the universities have graciously released their IE staff and practitioners for the purpose of attendance.

The IEASA team, in particular our President Mr Wiseman Jack and Past President Ms Orla Quinlan, and Strategic Advisor Dr Samia Chasi for their guidance and leadership.  A special thank you to Tohiera Bagus, IEASA Manager, who juggled all the balls no matter how many were thrown in her direction, and has pulled together a beautiful event for us.

Most of all, I thank you, the participants, for enriching these annual conferences by your presence. As is a tradition with IEASA conferences – I hope you will enjoy the content, renew old friendships, make new friends, get new ideas, and above all, have a good time.