Mining Equipment Manufacturers of South Africa (MEMSA) is proud to announce the return of its flagship Mind Shift Conference & Innovation for Mining Awards, taking place on 21–22 May 2026, at the IDC Conference Centre.

Now firmly established as a leading platform for forward-thinking dialogue in the mining and manufacturing sectors, the 2026 conference will be delivered in strategic partnership with the Manufacturing Circle, marking a significant step forward in strengthening industry-wide collaboration.

This year’s event will bring together leaders from across mining, manufacturing, policy, academia, and labour to explore the theme of responsible innovation and the role of industry in shaping a more inclusive, sustainable, and competitive future.

A key highlight of the 2026 conference is the deepened collaboration between industry clusters and the Manufacturing Circle. This partnership reflects a shared commitment to amplifying the voice of local manufacturing, aligning industrial policy with practical implementation, and accelerating South Africa’s reindustrialisation agenda.

By working together, MEMSA and the Manufacturing Circle are creating a more unified platform for engagement, one that bridges the gap between upstream mining demand and downstream manufacturing capability, while championing localisation, supplier development, and technological advancement.

“This collaboration signifies the synergistic relationship between manufacturing and mining equipment. We look forward to unpacking the opportunities that the conference will no doubt present,” avers Philippa Rodseth Executive Director at The Manufacturing Circle.

The Innovation Awards, hosted as part of the conference, will once again recognise excellence across the sector, celebrating companies and individuals who are driving cutting-edge solutions, ethical innovation, and tangible impact within mining and manufacturing ecosystems.

Attendees can expect:

• High-level keynote addresses from industry and government leaders
• Thought-provoking panel discussions on policy, ethics, and innovation
• Showcases of local manufacturing excellence and capability
• Networking opportunities with key decision-makers across the value chain

“The collaboration with the Manufacturing Circle represents a powerful alignment of purpose,” says MEMSA leadership. “Together, we are not only elevating the conversation but also strengthening the ecosystem required to support sustainable industrial growth in South Africa.”

The MEMSA Mind Shift Conference & Innovation Awards 2026 promises to be a catalyst for meaningful engagement, bold ideas, and actionable outcomes.