The HR Indaba Network launch was the largest-ever virtual gathering of HR practitioners in Africa.
With more than 3,000 attendees, the HR Indaba Network launch was the first and largest-ever virtual gathering of HR practitioners in South Africa.
Attendees were treated to 10 superb Impact Sessions with world-class speakers, live engagement, and a selection of leading HR service providers. In addition to finding out about the latest in HR tools and services, attendees heard from top HR leaders, who shared their experiences on how Covid-19 has affected organisations’ management of remote workforces, safety culture, and revealed their plans for returning to the office.
Altron CEO Mteto Nyati kicked off the day’s events by unpacking the tale of the company’s herculean turnaround that transformed Altron from a family-led company to an independently managed one that united nine brands under one umbrella.
He talked about how he started by inviting the top 80 leaders within the organisation to participate in a three-day, off-site strategy session, saying, “We had to extend the inviting way beyond our exco. Our problems were pressing, and we did not have the time to sell the strategy to the leadership layers below exco. I wanted to bring many people along so that they could return with understanding and buy-in to the strategy.”
Another impactful session drew aspirant HR practitioners who heard from Mondelez International HR director Cebile Xulu, Autoboys HR executive Kyle Chetty and STARTEK country HR head Philip Tshikotshi about what it takes to become a great HR practitioner before the age of 40.
Throughout the day, attendees were treated knowledge sessions about how organisations are adapting to the fast-paced and rapidly changing environment that is the world of work. Each session left attendees feeling a little more educated about how HR can be part of the solution that will drive business performance in a post-Covid-19 world.
Exhibitors were also largely impressed with engagement with attendees, because the virtual nature of the event meant they were not only able to book meetings and swap contact details more seamlessly, they were also able to fully demonstrate the capabilities of their HR solutions.
The fact that the launch offered a gamified experience with exciting scavenger hunts and incredible prizes was the icing on the cake. Attendees were able to earn points for attending the live Impact Sessions, watching a demo at an exhibition stand or downloading a playbook, while a leaderboard provided a live tally of the highest scorers, who will walk away with fantastic cash prizes. The top three, will receive an exclusive invitation to the CHRO Awards in November, and winners will be announced at a later date.
“The event showcased the best of what the HR profession has to offer, both in terms of thought leadership and presence of service providers. It was an event that showed why CHRO South Africa’s flagship event, the HR Indaba, will continue to be a permanent fixture in the calendars of HR practitioners, regardless of whether it is hosted virtually or in person,” said Joël Roerig, managing director of CHRO South Africa.
