IMPORTANT DATES:
ABSTRACT SUBMISSION DEADLINE: 15 MARCH 2026
EXTENDED ABSTRACT DEADLINE: 30 APRIL 2026
PRESENTER REGISTRATION DEADLINE: 20 JULY 2026
NON-PRESENTING DELEGATES REGISTRATION DEADLINE: 25 AUGUST 2026
CALL FOR ABSTRACTS
Abstracts are invited for The 2026 LITASA Conference, hosted by the Gauteng Branch of LITASA, under the theme:
Celebrating 21 years of literacy research, practice and advocacy, LITASA's 2026 Conference marks a significant milestone in South Africa’s literacy journey. For more than two decades, this conference has brought together educators, researchers, policymakers, community organisations and literacy advocates committed to shaping the country’s literacy landscape. As we celebrate LITASA’s 21st birthday, we invite participants to reimagine literacy’s role in building equitable, multilingual and socially just futures — futures in which every South African can access knowledge, participate fully and exercise agency with dignity.
In a moment marked by challenging PIRLS findings, widening inequalities, rapidly advancing AI technologies and shifting linguistic and cultural ecologies, literacy remains a powerful tool for transformation. This year’s theme foregrounds multilingual literacies as dynamic resources that bridge home and school, local realities and global opportunities, foundational learning and higher education, and classrooms and communities.
The conference will create space to explore:
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Transformative literacy in a changing world, including literacy, social justice, innovation, AI, sustainability and partnerships.
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Foundations for the future in the early years, with attention to home languages, cultural knowledge and strong early literacy development.
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Reading across the years, focusing on transitions, continuity and deepening engagement in reading and writing across schooling.
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Literacies in higher education, including access, equity, epistemic justice and responses to digital and AI-driven shifts.
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Rethinking assessment, particularly in multilingual and multimodal contexts.
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Literacies beyond the classroom, highlighting community, family, workplace and digital literacy practices.
We welcome submissions and presentations in all twelve official South African languages. Please indicate your preferred presentation language when submitting.
Presentations may take the form of:
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Research papers (15-minute presentation, 10-minute discussion)
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Practitioner presentations (15-minute presentation, 10-minute discussion)
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During-conference workshops (1 hour)
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Posters
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Panel discussions (1 hour)
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Community project showcases (15-minute presentation, 10-minute discussion)
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Innovative or multisensory literacy demonstrations (15-minute presentation, 10-minute discussion)
Abstracts for research papers, practitioner presentations, workshops, posters, community project showcases, and innovative demonstrations should not exceed 200 words and should not include citations. Abstracts for panel discussions should not exceed 350 words, inclusive of panellist details.
Abstract submission: Closing date 30 April 2026
(Scroll down to complete the Submission form)
If you have any queries, contact us at info@litasa.org.za.
EXHIBITORS AND SPONSORS
The LITASA 2026 Conference provides exhibition opportunities for organisations to showcase their work, products, and services to a diverse literacy community of educators, researchers, policymakers, and practitioners.
For sponsorship enquiries, please contact: info@litasa.org.za.
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Inclusion of promotional items in the conference bags & Logo in the programme.
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Exhibition stand (2 tables, 3 representatives.)
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1 x 30 minute presentation slot to promote or demonstrate your products / services, which will also be featured on LITASA's YouTube channel and social media platforms for extended reach and engagement.
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Advertising on LITASA’s social media platforms for 2 weeks before and 2 weeks after the conference. (content to be provided by organisation)
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Social media coverage during conference, content to be provided by organisation (2 x reels, 1 daily story / post)
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1 x pull up banner in plenary venue throughout conference.
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Inclusion of logo in advertisement of pre - conference activities.
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Inclusion of logo and link to website on conference website page and prospectus.
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Inclusion of promotional items in the conference bags & Logo in the programme.
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Exhibition stand (2 tables, 2 representatives.)
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Advertising on LITASA’s social media platforms for 1 week before and 1 week after conference. (content to be provided by organisation)
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Social media coverage during conference, content to be provided by organisation(1 x reel, 1 daily story / post.)
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Inclusion of logo and link to website on conference website page and prospectus.
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Inclusion of promotional items in the conference bags & Logo in the programme.
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Exhibition stand (1 tables, 1 representative.)
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Advertising on LITASA’s social media platforms for 1 week before or after conference. (content to be provided by organisation)
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Social media coverage during conference content to be provided by organisation (2 x posts.)
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Inclusion of logo and link to website on conference website page and prospectus.
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A 15-minute presentation on your institution’s services and the courses it offers.
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Inclusion of promotional items in the conference bags & Logo in the programme.
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Exhibition stand (1 table, 1 representative.)
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Social media coverage during conference, content to be provided by organisation (1 post.)
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Inclusion of logo and link to website on conference website page and prospectus
CONFERENCE REGISTRATION
We look forward to coming together once again as a community committed to literacy, learning, and meaningful exchange. Whether you are presenting your work or attending as a delegate, your participation will help shape this important space.
Please take note of the registration deadlines below:
Presenters: 20 July 2026
Non-presenting delegates: 25 August 2026
We encourage early registration to secure your place.
Delegate fees are as follows:
Full registration: Non-member | R 3 800 Member | R 3 400
NGO Rep registration (per person): Non-member | R 2 800 Member | R 2 400
Teacher registration: Non-member | R 2 300 Member | R 2 000
Student registration: R 1 800
International registration (Africa): R 4 000
International registration (outside Africa): USD $390
CANCELLATIONS
Cancellations should be made in writing and emailed to info@litasa.org.za.
For in-person conference attendance, a 10% cancellation fee applies up to 3 weeks before the conference; thereafter a 100% cancellation fee will apply.
No refunds will be given for non-attendance.