Exploring the Disconnects
Behind Major Slope Failures
Exploring the Disconnects Behind Major Slope Failures
Dear Delegate
As you are aware, the smallest disconnects can escalate into serious risks—often defining the difference between resilience and disaster. At Slope Stability X26 Conference we will explore the challenges you encounter on a day to day basis as you pursue the best decisions at every stage of your geotechnical and slope stability projects.
In an era where slope behaviour, climate impacts, and material complexities are evolving faster than ever, SSX26 aims to create an accessible platform that brings together geotechnical professionals from across disciplines and experience levels incorporating, junior to senior engineers and experts alike to engage on the latest slope stability technologies, new ways of working and best practice solutions.
This unique gathering creates a professional bridge that encourages continuous learning, cross-sector collaboration, and access to emerging technologies shaping the next generation of slope stability practice across the continent.
Join us in fostering a community focused approach on understanding the root causes of slope failure while driving innovation in design, investigation, monitoring and governance for safer and more sustainable slopes in Africa.
See You There!
What’s Lurking In the Shadows of Every Unsuccessful Slope Stability Project
While pressing, beyond these priorities are far more dire realities. We call these seemingly unseen but highly impactful factors “gaps.”
Speaking at Slope Stability X '26
Dr. Morteza Ghamgosar - Senior Associate, ATC Willaims, Australia
Jacobus Oberholster - AEC & Prokon Technical Consultant, Micrographics SA (Pty) Ltd, South Africa
Thovhedzo Gcuda - Lecturer, Geotechnical Engineering, University of the Witwatersrand, South Africa
Ovheshlan Pillay - Lecturer & SANIRE GP Chairperson
Lehana Bulane Geotechnical Engineer, Letšeng Diamond Mine
Christine Thikusho, Senior Geotechnical Geologist | Swakop Uranium Namibia
Gaps With Many Faces — and Their Catastrophic Effects
“Gaps” manifest in various forms, from capped budgets to a lack of data, poor communication, and integration issues. If left ignored, these “gaps” create a knock-on effect that can be catastrophic.
Oversights compound quickly, driving delays, cost overruns, and compromising safety. Without alignment across disciplines, the chance of failure rises significantly.
Join the Conversation
Slope Stability X ‘26, or SSX26, is an exploration of the key practices and more that geotechnical engineers must perform to realise project excellence.
Spanning 5 key themes, all directly related to the success of slope stability projects, SSX26 is more than a 2-day networking opportunity.
You’ll hear from professionals with first-hand slope stability experience and receive practical tools to help transform the way you work for the better.
Introducing the Slope Stability X26 (SSX26) Conference
Exploring the Disconnects Behind Major Slope Failures
Dear Delegate
As you are aware, the smallest disconnects can escalate into serious risks—often defining the difference between resilience and disaster. At Slope Stability X26 Conference we will explore the challenges you encounter on a day to day basis as you pursue the best decisions at every stage of your geotechnical and slope stability projects.
In an era where slope behaviour, climate impacts, and material complexities are evolving faster than ever, SSX26 aims to create an accessible platform that brings together geotechnical professionals from across disciplines and experience levels incorporating, junior to senior engineers and experts alike to engage on the latest slope stability technologies, new ways of working and best practice solutions.
This unique gathering creates a professional bridge that encourages continuous learning, cross-sector collaboration, and access to emerging technologies shaping the next generation of slope stability practice across the continent.
Join us in fostering a community focused approach on understanding the root causes of slope failure while driving innovation in design, investigation, monitoring and governance for safer and more sustainable slopes in Africa.
See You There!
What’s Lurking In the Shadows of Every Unsuccessful Slope Stability Project
Prepare for an Engaging Agenda
Speaking at Slope Stability X26 – Stay Tuned for Updates
Jacobus Oberholster - AEC & Prokon Technical Consultant, Micrographics SA (Pty) Ltd, South Africa
Dr. Morteza Ghamgosar - Senior Associate, ATC Willaims, Australia
Thovhedzo Gcuda - Lecturer, Geotechnical Engineering, University of the Witwatersrand, South Africa
Ovheshlan Pillay - Lecturer & SANIRE GP Chairperson South Africa
Lehana Bulane Geotechnical Engineer, Letšeng Diamond Mine Lesotho
Christine Thikusho, Senior Geotechnical Geologist | Swakop Uranium Namibia
Gaps With Many Faces and Their Catastrophic Effects
“Gaps” manifest in various forms, from capped budgets to a lack of data, poor communication, and integration issues. If left ignored, these “gaps” create a knock-on effect that can be catastrophic.
Oversights compound quickly, driving delays, cost overruns, and compromising safety. Without alignment across disciplines, the chance of failure rises significantly.
Technical Highlights of Presentations You can Expect at Slope Stability X26
The Slope Stability X26 Conference & Expo at the CSIR Convention Centre unites geotechnical professionals to advance slope practice under the theme “Advancing Slope Engineering through Innovation, Risk Management & Digital Transformation.”
Investigation & Site Characterisation – Explore cutting-edge methods in geotechnical logging, hydrogeological modelling, and subsurface profiling that enhance design reliability and material characterisation.
Design & Planning – Receive insights on local advances in seismic assessment, numerical optimisation, and FEM–machine learning integration that are driving precision in slope design and stability prediction programmes.
Monitoring & Modelling – Hear discussions on existing real-time analytics, digital twins, and GIS–LiDAR fusion solutions that are improving deformation tracking and predictive failure forecasting.
Risk & Governance – Discover how and why strengthening risk frameworks is driving ESG compliance, and helping create cyber-secure data systems that are a key priority to ensuring accountable slope management practices and success.
Implementation & Case Studies – See where proven field remediation, pit slope reinforcement, and hybrid design solutions are demonstrating innovation in applied geotechnics across local slope operations.
SSX26 is where cross-sector knowledge and best practices in data, design, tecnology, geotechnical engineering mastery and decision-making converge to redefine the future of slope stability practices in the region.
Join the Conversation
Slope Stability X ‘26, or SSX26, is an exploration of the key practices and more that geotechnical engineers must perform to realise project excellence.
Spanning 5 key themes, all directly related to the success of slope stability projects, SSX26 is more than a 2-day networking opportunity.
You’ll hear from professionals with first-hand slope stability experience and receive practical tools to help transform the way you work for the better.
Shaped By Challenges You Face
Build on Certainty, Grounded in Evidence
Every slope tells a different story. When infiltration, strength, or deformation are not fully understood, even well-planned projects face hidden risks. Misreading the ground leads to delays, failures, and costly rework before construction begins.
This segment of the event explores advanced investigation and testing methods that give engineers reliable data and clarity in their designs.
Designs That Hold up Under Pressure
Slopes rarely fail for a single reason. Rainfall, seismic forces, and fractured geology interact in ways that traditional models may not capture.
When these factors are overlooked, designs that look stable in theory can falter in practice. You will be exposed to planning approaches that integrate multiple stress factors into resilient, real-world designs.
Keep Projects on Track, Even Under Stress
The construction phase is where theory meets reality, and where slopes face significant vulnerability. Intense rainfall, seismic events, or poor practices can destabilise projects and turn timelines and budgets upside down.
Builders and contractors will be equipped with strategies and technologies to keep construction safe, efficient, and resilient under pressure.
Spot the Signs Before Disaster Strikes
Slopes rarely fail without warning. The signals are present, but detecting them in time requires precision. Outdated monitoring can miss the subtle shifts that precede instability, leaving little chance to act.
You will see how advances in remote sensing, on-site instrumentation, and real-time analytics help operators identify risks early and respond effectively.
Turn Policy Into Protection
Nature is not the only factor behind slope instability. Land-use choices, regulatory gaps, and unchecked development increase risks that could otherwise be contained. When governance fails, preventable disasters cause damage that could have been avoided.
Leaders, policymakers, and industry voices will acquire practical insights to limit oversight and safeguard slopes and communities for the long term.
Shaped By Challenges You Face
Exploring these themes together delivers practical insights you can apply to strengthen your projects and decisions.
Build on Certainty, Grounded in Evidence
Every slope tells a different story. When infiltration, strength, or deformation are not fully understood, even well-planned projects face hidden risks. Misreading the ground leads to delays, failures, and costly rework before construction begins.
This segment of the event explores advanced investigation and testing methods that give engineers reliable data and clarity in their designs.
Designs That Hold up Under Pressure
Slopes rarely fail for a single reason. Rainfall, seismic forces, and fractured geology interact in ways that traditional models may not capture.
When these factors are overlooked, designs that look stable in theory can falter in practice. You will be exposed to planning approaches that integrate multiple stress factors into resilient, real-world designs.
Keep Projects on Track, Even Under Stress
The construction phase is where theory meets reality, and where slopes face significant vulnerability. Intense rainfall, seismic events, or poor practices can destabilize projects and turn timelines and budgets upside down.
Builders and contractors will be equipped with strategies and technologies to keep construction safe, efficient, and resilient under pressure.
Spot the Signs Before Disaster Strikes
Slopes rarely fail without warning. The signals are present, but detecting them in time requires precision. Outdated monitoring can miss the subtle shifts that precede instability, leaving little chance to act.
You will see how advances in remote sensing, on-site instrumentation, and real-time analytics help operators identify risks early and respond effectively.
Turn Policy Into Protection
Nature is not the only factor behind slope instability. Land-use choices, regulatory gaps, and unchecked development increase risks that could otherwise be contained.
When governance fails, preventable disasters cause damage that could have been avoided.
Leaders, policymakers, and industry voices will acquire practical insights to limit oversight and safeguard slopes and communities for the long term.
Learn, Connect and Advance at SSX26
Calling Engineers, Planners, Scientists,
Builders, Analysts, and Regulators
If you’re responsible for ensuring slopes are investigated, designed, constructed, monitored, or governed safely and sustainably, this is your chance to join this conversation on championing safer slopes.
EVENT THEMES RECAP:
Gain the confidence to make better decisions with reliable data from advanced site investigations and ground characterisation.
Learn how integrated design approaches create resilient solutions that stand up to complex geological and environmental pressures.
Discover proven construction practices that keep projects safe, efficient, and on schedule under challenging conditions.
See how cutting-edge monitoring tools provide early warnings and actionable insights to prevent costly failures.
Understand how stronger governance and policy frameworks reduce risk and safeguard communities and infrastructure.
Investigation & Site Characterization Professionals
Geotechnical Engineers
Engineering Geologists
Hydrogeologists
Geophysicists
Site Investigation Managers
Geologists & Ground Investigation Consultants
Design & Planning Professionals
Civil Engineers (specializing in geotechnics / infrastructure)
Slope Design Engineers
Mine Planning Engineers
Structural Engineers
Engineering Managers (Mining, Rail, Road, Energy projects)
Consulting Engineers
Risk & Governance Professionals
Regulators in Mining, Infrastructure, and Environmental Agencies
Policy Advisors & Government Officials (Infrastructure / Natural Resources)
Risk Managers
ESG & Sustainability Officers
Academic Researchers contributing to standards / best practice
Insurers & Reinsurers focused on geotechnical / infrastructure risk
Construction & Execution Professionals
Project Managers (Civil, Mining, Infrastructure)
Construction Managers
Site Engineers
Safety Officers (HSE Managers)
Contractors & Subcontractors involved in earthworks and slope reinforcement
Monitoring & Operations Professionals
Geotechnical Monitoring Specialists
Remote Sensing / InSAR Analysts
Instrumentation Engineers
Operations Managers (mining, transport, utilities)
Asset Integrity Managers
Data & Risk Analysts in geotechnical monitoring
Executive-Level Professionals
Chief Engineers / Directors of Engineering
Heads of Geotechnical Services
Technical Directors (Civil, Mining, Infrastructure)
CEOs / COOs of companies delivering slope-heavy projects
Investors and Lenders evaluating risk in mining and infrastructure
Learn, Connect and Advance at SSX26
Who Should Be at SSX26
Investigation & Site Characterisation Professionals
Geotechnical Engineers
Engineering Geologists
Hydrogeologists
Geophysicists
Site Investigation Managers
Ground Investigation Consultants
Design & Planning Professionals
Civil Engineers (specialising in geotechnics / infrastructure)
Slope Design Engineers
Mine Planning Engineers
Structural Engineers
Engineering Managers (Mining, Rail, Road, Energy projects)
Consulting Engineers
Monitoring & Operations Professionals
Geotechnical Monitoring Specialists
Remote Sensing / InSAR Analysts
Instrumentation Engineers
Operations Managers (mining, transport, utilities)
Asset Integrity Managers
Data & Risk Analysts in geotechnical monitoring
Construction & Execution Professionals
Project Managers (Civil, Mining, Infrastructure)
Construction Managers
Site Engineers
Safety Officers (HSE Managers)
Contractors & Subcontractors involved in earthworks and slope reinforcement
Risk & Governance Professionals
Regulators in Mining, Infrastructure, and Environmental Agencies
Policy Advisors & Government Officials (Infrastructure / Natural Resources)
Risk Managers
ESG & Sustainability Officers
Academic Researchers contributing to standards / best practice
Insurers & Reinsurers focused on geotechnical / infrastructure risk
Executive-Level Professionals
Chief Engineers / Directors of Engineering
Heads of Geotechnical Services
Technical Directors (Civil, Mining, Infrastructure)
CEOs / COOs of companies delivering slope-heavy projects
Investors and Lenders evaluating risk in mining and infrastructure
Showcase, Engage and Lead Your Industry at SSX26
Showcase Your Brand Before, During, and After The Event
Our 360-Degree Event Marketing Framework drives strategic digital marketing initiatives linked to key event themes and your business goals.
Sponsoring or exhibiting at SSX26 includes these benefits:
A Complete Digital Strategy
We do all the heavy lifting, including briefings, creative production, and managing targeted campaigns aligned with your brand goals.
Prime Positioning
Receive dedicated, full-page web space on our event websites to promote your brand, solutions, and key representatives. You get strong, targeted messaging designed to speak to your audience.
Thought Leadership Opportunities
Position your people as subject matter experts and your brand as a thought leader through contributing author engagements based on well-researched, written, and video media.
Sponsor Event Day Marketing
- Speaking opportunities for your subject matter experts to share insights tied to event themes
- Unique naming rights with logo placement in the official event program and brochures
- Branding visibility on digital and printed materials distributed to delegates
- Recognition on on-site signage and presentation screens
- Inclusion in daily announcements and acknowledgments
- This integrated visibility keeps your organization top-of-mind for attendees throughout the event.
Showcase, Engage and Lead Your Industry at SSX26
Showcase Your Brand Before, During, and After The Event
Our 360-Degree Event Marketing Framework drives strategic digital marketing initiatives linked to key event themes and your business goals.
Sponsoring or exhibiting at SSX26 includes these benefits:
A Complete Digital Strategy
We do all the heavy lifting, including briefings, creative production, and managing targeted campaigns aligned with your brand goals.
Prime Positioning
Receive dedicated, full-page web space on our event websites to promote your brand, solutions, and key representatives. You get strong, targeted messaging designed to speak to your audience.
Thought Leadership Opportunities
Position your people as subject matter experts and your brand as a thought leader through contributing author engagements based on well-researched, written, and video media.
Sponsor Event Day Marketing
- Speaking opportunities for your subject matter experts to share insights tied to event themes
- Unique naming rights with logo placement in the official event program and brochures
- Branding visibility on digital and printed materials distributed to delegates
- Recognition on on-site signage and presentation screens
- Inclusion in daily announcements and acknowledgments
- This integrated visibility keeps your organization top-of-mind for attendees throughout the event.
Shape Industry Conversations at SSX26
Take Centre Stage
Your perspective is vital to the conversations shaping the future of slope stability, and we’d like to work with you.
Speaking at SSX26 includes these benefits:
A Spotlight on Your Expertise as a Thought Leader
Speaking at SSX26 positions you at the center of the industry’s most critical conversations. It’s an opportunity to:
- Demonstrate the real-world impact of your knowledge and solutions
- Build deeper connections with peers, decision-makers, and future collaborators
- Shape the direction of practice, policy, and innovation in slope stability
Visibility That Lasts Beyond the Event
Your participation doesn’t end when the session closes. We extend the reach of your ideas through:
- Pre-, during-, and post-event promotion of your session and expertise
- Featured speaker profiles on the event website and across digital channels
- Content rollouts — including articles, interviews, and highlights — that keep your insights top-of-mind
A Concierge Service
Speakers traveling to Gauteng for SSX26 will receive support from our concierge team. We will manage every detail of your travel and stay. Your transport, accommodation, and meals will be covered for the duration of the event.
Shape Industry Conversations at SSX26
Take Centre Stage
Your perspective is vital to the conversations shaping the future of slope stability, and we’d like to work with you.
Speaking at SSX26 includes these benefits:
A Spotlight on Your Expertise as a Thought Leader
Speaking at SSX26 positions you at the center of the industry’s most critical conversations. It’s an opportunity to:
- Demonstrate the real-world impact of your knowledge and solutions
- Build deeper connections with peers, decision-makers, and future collaborators
- Shape the direction of practice, policy, and innovation in slope stability
Visibility That Lasts Beyond the Event
Your participation doesn’t end when the session closes. We extend the reach of your ideas through:
- Pre-, during-, and post-event promotion of your session and expertise
- Featured speaker profiles on the event website and across digital channels
- Content rollouts — including articles, interviews, and highlights — that keep your insights top-of-mind
A Concierge Service
Speakers traveling to Gauteng for SSX26 will receive support from our concierge team. We will manage every detail of your travel and stay. Your transport, accommodation, and meals will be covered for the duration of the event.
Show How Your Research Impacts Real-world Challenges at SSX26
Lead the Conversation
Representing your university as a speaker at SSX26 includes these benefits:
Highlight the Impact of Your Research
Speaking at SSX26 positions your institution’s work at the forefront of industry challenges. It’s an opportunity to:
- Demonstrate how your research addresses real-world problems
- Strengthen connections with industry, regulators, and fellow academics
- Influence the future of practice, policy, and innovation
Extend Your Influence Beyond Academia
Our approach to academic partnerships is designed to amplify your contribution beyond the classroom or lab. We work with you to:
- Align your research with the challenges the industry is most eager to solve
- Ensure your findings reach practitioners, decision-makers, and collaborators
- Showcase your institution as a leader in applied geotechnical and multidisciplinary research
Visibility That Reaches Further
Your participation doesn’t end when the session closes. We extend the reach of your work through:
- Pre-, during-, and post-event promotion of your research and expertise
- Featured profiles on the event website and across digital channels
- Content rollouts — including articles, interviews, and highlights — that keep your research visible long after the event
A Concierge Service
Tertiary representatives speaking at SSX26 and traveling to Gauteng for the event will receive support from our concierge team. We will manage every detail of your travel and stay. Your transport, accommodation, and meals will be covered for the duration of the event.
Show How Your Research Impacts Real-world Challenges at SSX26
Lead the Conversation
Representing your university as a speaker at SSX26 includes these benefits:
Highlight the Impact of Your Research
Speaking at SSX26 positions your institution’s work at the forefront of industry challenges. It’s an opportunity to:
- Demonstrate how your research addresses real-world problems
- Strengthen connections with industry, regulators, and fellow academics
- Influence the future of practice, policy, and innovation
Extend Your Influence Beyond Academia
Our approach to academic partnerships is designed to amplify your contribution beyond the classroom or lab. We work with you to:
- Align your research with the challenges the industry is most eager to solve
- Ensure your findings reach practitioners, decision-makers, and collaborators
- Showcase your institution as a leader in applied geotechnical and multidisciplinary research
Visibility That Reaches Further
Your participation doesn’t end when the session closes. We extend the reach of your work through:
- Pre-, during-, and post-event promotion of your research and expertise
- Featured profiles on the event website and across digital channels
- Content rollouts — including articles, interviews, and highlights — that keep your research visible long after the event
A Concierge Service
Tertiary representatives speaking at SSX26 and traveling to Gauteng for the event will receive support from our concierge team. We will manage every detail of your travel and stay. Your transport, accommodation, and meals will be covered for the duration of the event.
Go From Policy to Practice With Ease at SSX26
A Platform to Prioritize Critical Slope Stability Practices
Contributing to SSX26 includes these benefits:
Lead With Influence
Professional bodies play a pivotal role in shaping industry standards and guiding best practice.
SSX26 offers speaking opportunities to extend your influence. This event ensures your priorities are visible, understood, and integrated across the sector.
Advance Industry Standards
Position your organization at the center of critical conversations where policies meet practice. By engaging directly with practitioners and decision-makers, you help drive the adoption of frameworks that safeguard projects and communities.
Strengthen Engagement With Members and Stakeholders
Use the event to connect your goals with those of your members, creating opportunities for shared understanding and stronger alignment across disciplines.
This is a chance to demonstrate leadership and reinforce the relevance of your mandate.
Visibility That Extends Beyond the Event
Like our other partners, professional bodies benefit from our 360° event marketing service, tailored to amplify your role. That includes:
- Pre-, during-, and post-event promotion of your research and expertise
- Featured profiles on the event website and across digital channels
- Content rollouts — including articles, interviews, and highlights — that keep your research visible long after the event
A Concierge Service
Regulator and professional body representatives speaking at SSX26 and traveling to Gauteng for the event will receive support from our concierge team. We will manage every detail of your travel and stay. Your transport, accommodation, and meals will be covered for the duration of the event.
Go From Policy to Practice With Ease at SSX26
A Platform to Prioritize Critical Slope Stability Practices
Contributing to SSX26 includes these benefits:
Lead With Influence
Professional bodies play a pivotal role in shaping industry standards and guiding best practice.
SSX26 offers speaking opportunities to extend your influence. This event ensures your priorities are visible, understood, and integrated across the sector.
Advance Industry Standards
Position your body at the center of critical conversations where policies meet practice. By engaging directly with practitioners and decision-makers, you help drive the adoption of frameworks that safeguard projects and communities.
Strengthen Engagement With Members and Stakeholders
Use the event to connect your goals with those of your members, creating opportunities for shared understanding and stronger alignment across disciplines.
This is a chance to demonstrate leadership and reinforce the relevance of your mandate.
Visibility That Extends Beyond the Event
Like our other partners, professional bodies benefit from our 360° event marketing service, tailored to amplify your role. That includes:
- Pre-, during-, and post-event promotion of your research and expertise
- Featured profiles on the event website and across digital channels
- Content rollouts — including articles, interviews, and highlights — that keep your research visible long after the event
A Concierge Service
Regulator and professional body representatives speaking at SSX26 and traveling to Gauteng for the event will receive support from our concierge team. We will manage every detail of your travel and stay. Your transport, accommodation, and meals will be covered for the duration of the event.
Be Part of SSX26
To speak to someone directly, call us on +27 10 502 1934.
Complete the Form Below
Be Part of SSX26
To speak to someone directly, call us on +27 10 502 1934.