Welcome to the AEE Educational Leadership Summit
We are delighted that you have joined us here in the magnificent Drakensberg for what promises to be a refreshing, inspiring, and challenging few days together.
Our theme this year, “A New Thing,” reminds us that God is always at work, renewing His people and opening new opportunities for His Kingdom. We believe He desires to do something fresh in our hearts, our schools, and our communities as we seek Him together.
Leading a truly Christian school has never been more important, or more demanding. It requires courage to remain faithful to God’s Word while navigating an ever-changing world.
Our calling is not to reject innovation or technological advancement, but to ensure that every new tool and every new opportunity reinforces God’s truth rather than replaces it. Together we will explore and discover how to lead schools that remain firmly rooted in a biblical worldview while embracing excellence and innovation.
One of the greatest blessings of time away is simply being together. There is something special about escaping to the fresh mountain air, sharing meals, learning from outstanding speakers, and reconnecting with friends and colleagues who understand both the joys and the challenges of Christian education. We trust these conversations over a meal or a cup of coffee will encourage you as much as the formal sessions.
Most of all, we hope you will find time to rest. As school leaders, you invest yourselves daily in serving others. This time is an opportunity to step back, be refreshed, refill your tank, and return home renewed in purpose and strengthened for the work God has entrusted to you.
May God indeed do “A New Thing” in each one of us.
Warm regards,
Tammy Teague
Tammy is a graduate of the A.C.E. programme, having completed Grades 1 through 12 at Redwood College La Lucia before going on to study Organisational Psychology at the University of Cape Town.
That background, a Christian education foundation paired with a deeper look into how people and organisations function, shapes the way she approaches both work and community.
Tammy is part of the HR team at AEE. She is married to Ian and mom to Nora and Zoey, and life is full and fun in their home in the Southern Suburbs of Cape Town.
Tuesday
4 August| Time | Title |
|---|---|
| 10:30 – 17:00 | Arrival and registration |
| 12:00 – 14:00 | Lunch and leisure |
| 17:30 – 18:45 | Dinner |
| 19:30 – 21:15 | Session 1: Graham YokoThe One Thing |
| 21:15 | Hot chocolate and fellowship |
Wednesday
5 August| Time | Title |
|---|---|
| 09:00 – 11:00 | Session 2: Brent HutchesonBuilding foundational learning through play |
| 11:00 – 11:30 | Fellowship break |
| 11:30 – 12:30 | Session 3: Prof. Anke de BeerThe digital dilemma: helping learners, parents, and educators navigate social media and artificial intelligence |
| 12:30 – 14:00 | Lunch |
| 14:00 – 15:00 | Session 4: Prof. Anke de BeerDigital health at home and school |
| 17:30 – 18:45 | Dinner |
| 19:30 – 21:15 | Session 5: Dr. Mandla MthembuBuilt to last |
| 21:15 | Hot chocolate and fellowship |
Thursday
6 August| Time | Title |
|---|---|
| 09:00 – 10:30 | Session 6: Prof. John M. KitayimbwaCentres of excellence on the continent of Africa |
| 10:30 – 11:00 | Fellowship break |
| 11:00 – 12:30 | Session 7: Vernon DavidThe iceberg under the “A” |
| 12:30 – 14:00 | Lunch |
| 14:00 – 15:00 | Session 8: David FernandesEnabling a growth mindset |
| 17:30 – 18:45 | Dinner |
| 19:30 – 21:15 | Session 9: Jaun LabuschagneRooted, not routed |
| 21:15 | Hot chocolate and fellowship |
Speakers
Eight voices across three days, each carrying one part of the same question: what does it look like to build a school that stays rooted while everything around it changes?
Graham Yoko
Graham Yoko is the Chief Executive Officer of AEE, providing strategic leadership to the organisation and its mission to advance Christian education across Africa. With a background in education, leadership, and ministry, he is passionate about equipping schools, educators, and families to shape the next generation through faith-based education.
Brent Hutcheson
Brent Hutcheson is the Director of Care for Education and the creator of the internationally recognised Six Bricks methodology. A former teacher, Brent is passionate about transforming education through play-based learning, helping children develop critical thinking, creativity, and foundational learning skills. His work has influenced educators and learners across South Africa and around the world, championing innovative approaches that make quality education more accessible and impactful.
Prof. Anke de Beer
Dr Anke de Beer is a researcher, consultant, author, and Associate Professor of Christian Counselling. Passionate about helping people navigate the digital world, she equips parents, educators, church leaders, and communities through research, training, and counselling. She also runs a private practice serving clients across South Africa.
Dr. Mandla Mthembu
Dr. Mandla Mthembu is the Chief Operations Officer at AEE, overseeing Stakeholder Relations, Government Liaison, the AEE Association, and PolicyWise Services. With more than 30 years of experience in education, he serves on the Executive Committee of the National Alliance of Independent School Associations (NAISA), is a board member of the KZN Education and Development Trust, and Chairperson of the board at Training Resources in Early Education (TREE). He is also an ordained pastor and teacher of the Word.
Rev. Assoc. Prof. John M. Kitayimbwa
The Rev. Prof. John Mulindwa Kitayimbwa is Deputy Vice-Chancellor for Academic Affairs at Uganda Christian University. An ordained priest and computational biologist, he leads academic strategy and champions competence-based education, equipping students through practical, Christ-centred learning while advancing innovation and excellence in higher education across Uganda.
Vernon David
Vernon David is the Group Executive Headmaster of Redwood Group, Managing Director of Eagles Leadership Institute, and Lead Elder of Eagles Community Fellowship. With over 30 years of experience in education and executive leadership, he has led schools through growth, transformation, and strategic development. Vernon is passionate about shaping future-focused schools, empowering leaders, and cultivating cultures where excellence, character, and purpose thrive.
David Fernandes
David Fernandes, CA (SA), is the Chief Finance and Supply Chain Officer at AEE Group. He began his career at Deloitte South Africa before moving into executive leadership in the fintech sector, bringing expertise in finance, supply chain, and commercial strategy. Passionate about building sustainable organisations and developing people, David is committed to advancing Christian education across Africa. He is also a devoted husband and father of two.
Jaun Labuschagne
As an A.C.E. graduate, Jaun Labuschagne leads the A.C.E. Strategic Business Unit at AEE, driving curriculum strategy and school support across the network. With a background in pastoral leadership and Christian school administration, he co-manages Caritas College and serves as Chairman of the 2026 All Africa Student Convention.
Jaun is passionate about equipping schools with practical systems and technology so that educators are freed to disciple learners into mastery, identity, and purpose. He has been married for over 20 years and has two beautiful children, both currently on A.C.E.
Recreate. Reimagine. Rebuild.
- Dates
- 4 – 7 August 2026
- Venue
- Champagne Sports Resort, Drakensberg
- Theme
- A New Thing · Isaiah 43:19
- Host
- Accelerated Education Enterprises
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