From 18–19 September, DEFSA hosted its 18th Biennial Conference, DESIGN+: Disruptions, Realities, Futures. The conference was a rich exchange of transformative dialogue — bridging physical and digital, Afrikan and global perspectives.

Over two days, educators, researchers, practitioners, and students came together to reflect on the power of design to disrupt, respond, and reimagine futures in the face of pressing global challenges.DEFSA thanks its partners Nelson Mandela University, the Department of Sports, Arts & Culture, AFDA, and iStore Education for supporting this important gathering.

We are delighted to announce that the 2027 DEFSA Conference will be hosted by the Central University of Technology, Free State.

Keynote Highlights

Day 1: Professor Lilac Osanjo

Dean of the Faculty of the Built Environment and Design at the University of Nairobi, Prof. Osanjo is a leading voice in design research, management, and entrepreneurship. Her keynote traced design’s role in shaping African futures through entrepreneurship, indigenous heritage, and innovation — challenging delegates to see disruption as a catalyst for opportunity.

Day 2: Roland Postma

Managing Director of Young Urbanists and advocate for youth-led urbanism, mobility, and public space innovation, Roland Postma inspired audiences with his vision for inclusive cities. His work in mobility, green infrastructure, and urban regeneration is transforming the way South Africa’s cities respond to inequality and climate change.
Conference Partners

DEFSA’s newly elected leadership:

President: Prof. Anneke de Klerk (Vaal University of Technology)

A distinguished academic and researcher with over 25 years of experience in photography, creative practice, and postgraduate supervision. Her work spans landscape photography, technology, and meaningful community engagement.

President-Elect: Dr Tsekelo Patrick Moremoholo (Central University of Technology, Free State)

A graphic and multimedia designer, researcher, and educator whose work focuses on communication design, visual literacy, and the transformative role of design in society.

Together, Prof. de Klerk and Dr Moremoholo bring vision, expertise, and dedication to guide DEFSA into its next chapter.