From the South African National Committee on Large Dams website:

SANCOLD invites all from South Africa, Africa, and the wider family of ICOLD to participate in the Conference which will include technical presentations and an exhibition. This event will offer dam and water resources engineers as well as all contributing to the dam engineering industry important international, regional, and local linkages; networking; and the exchange of knowledge and experience opportunities.

The general theme of the SANCOLD Conference 2026 is "Smart Dams, Secure Water." Smart dams represent the future of water infrastructure being resilient, adaptive, and supported by intelligent, data-driven decision-making. Through advanced technologies, digital monitoring systems, and modern engineering practices, dams can be managed more safely, efficiently, and sustainably throughout their lifecycle.

In South Africa, dam infrastructure faces increasing pressure from climate variability, aging assets, and growing water demands. Addressing these challenges will require practical, sustainable, and future-ready solutions that strengthen water security for generations to come.