Date:16-19 November 2026

Location: Johannesburg

The South African Heavy Haul Association Conference 2026 (SAHHA Conference 2026) will take place from 16 to 19 November 2026 at the Emperors Palace Convention Centre in Johannesburg.

The SAHHA Conference 2026 is the flagship event on the South African Heavy Haul Association’s calendar, bringing together industry leaders, innovators, and stakeholders from across the heavy haul railway sector. This premier gathering provides a dynamic platform for knowledge exchange, professional development, and strategic networking among delegates and sponsors.

The conference enables local and international industry players across the value chain to engage on key challenges and opportunities, and to identify solutions that enhance the competitiveness, efficiency, and safety of heavy haul railway systems.

The theme for the 2026 conference is: “Integrated Heavy Haul for Sustainable Growth.”

The programme will include a one-day technical workshop, plenary sessions, and parallel breakaway sessions featuring the presentation of technical papers. Plenary sessions will include keynote addresses, presentations, and discussions on strategic and policy direction, technical developments, and best practices. The conference will also explore the intersection between technical excellence in heavy haul operations and the ongoing shift towards Private Sector Participation (PSP) and rail reform.

With an expected attendance of over 650 delegates, the conference offers valuable opportunities for engagement and networking across the sector.

Expected Audience:
Professionals across the heavy haul ecosystem, including logistics professionals, technical directors, chief engineers, operations executives and managers, maintenance engineers, CIOs, CEOs, COOs, rail operations specialists, and research teams.

Participating Organisations & Beneficiaries:
Mining companies, terminal and siding operators, train operating companies, ports, logistics service providers, suppliers, research institutions, government entities, funders, the broader business community, SADC rail operators, and regulators.

An exhibition will run concurrently with the conference, providing an ideal platform for companies to showcase their latest technologies, products, and services to the heavy haul rail community. A range of branding and sponsorship opportunities is available.

For more information: http://https://sahhaconf.co.za