South Africa's premier professional body advancing educational management, leadership, and governance across all levels of the education system.
The Education Management Association of South Africa (EMASA), established in 1997, is a national, inclusive, and representative professional body dedicated to advancing excellence in education leadership and management.
EMASA brings together academics, practitioners, and policymakers committed to strengthening the study, teaching, and practice of education leadership across the sector. Through its work in influencing policy, supporting research, promoting professional development, and fostering collaboration, EMASA continues to play a pivotal role in shaping the future of education in South Africa.
Building on its legacy and informed by past strategic insights, the Association is entering a renewed phase focused on expanding its reach, enhancing sustainability, and increasing its impact and visibility nationwide.
Guided by a commitment to transformative education leadership
To be the premier catalyst for educational excellence, fostering an innovative, seamless high-performance ecosystem from foundational schooling through to tertiary education.
EMASA is committed to promoting and strengthening its members through professional development, knowledge advancement, leadership, advocacy, and networking. We bridge academic research and practitioner expertise to enhance educational discourse and empower institutions through innovative management frameworks, ethical leadership, and robust governance systems.
Promoting visionary, purposeful and ethical leadership and management practices in all levels of education.
Dedicated leaders guiding EMASA's mission and strategic direction
Join South Africa's premier professional body for educational management
EMASA membership is more than a subscription — it is your gateway to South Africa's most respected community of educational leaders, researchers, and practitioners.
Carry the EMASA credential as formal recognition of your commitment to excellence in educational leadership and management.
Connect with over 2,500 educational leaders, principals, academics, and policymakers across all 9 provinces.
Access exclusive job adverts, tenders, and career opportunities posted by member institutions.
Priority registration, discounted rates, and early-bird access to the Annual International Conference.
Shape national education policy through EMASA's advocacy work and representations to government.
Preferential rates, priority registration, and early access to the Annual International Conference
Exclusive access to the EMASA Member Portal — manage your profile, browse the directory, and engage with the community
Continuous Professional Development workshops, webinars, and capacity building programmes
Post and access exclusive job adverts, tenders, CPD events, and institutional notices
Access to international education management bodies (CCEAM, UCEA) and conferences globally
Affordable, flexible options for every stage of your career
Become part of South Africa's most influential network of educational leaders.
Membership fees shown are indicative. Please contact admin@emasa.org.za for confirmed current rates.
“Education at the Edge: Leading Education Institutions that are Responsive, Equitable, and Future-Focused.”
The annual EMASA Conference is a vital platform for fostering professional networks and bridging the gap between theory and practice in education leadership and management.
Download Forms
Call For Papers 2026 Abstract Submission Form 2026 Standard Operating Procedure (SOP)EMASA invites researchers, practitioners, school leaders, district officials, and academics to share their work at the 2026 Annual EMASA Conference. This is your opportunity to contribute to the national conversation on educational management, leadership, and governance in South Africa.
The complete paper must reach the Conference Coordinator on or before Monday, 20 July 2026.
Conference registration fee: R 500.
Send proof of payment to: admin@emasa.org.za
Enquiries and submission of abstracts/papers must be directed to the Conference Coordinator:
admin@emasa.org.zaA proud legacy of advancing educational leadership through annual gatherings
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Sun City, North West ProvinceLatest updates from the EMASA community
EMASA is proud to announce its 2026 Annual International Conference themed "Education at the Edge" — 18–19 September 2026 at Southern Sun Elangeni & Maharani Hotel, Durban.
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