It is my privilege, as Chairperson of the South African Board for Sheriffs, to welcome delegates to the SABFS Second International Sheriffs Conference 2026, taking place over two days at the Cape Town International Convention Centre.

Under the theme "Digital transformation and modernisation in strengthening the performance of sheriffs’ functions and ensuring professional, cost-effective and efficient access to justice," the Conference will bring together leaders and practitioners from the sheriffs’ profession, the broader justice sector, academia and international judicial enforcement structures.

Our two-day programme is being developed to explore how technological change, digitalisation and emerging technologies are reshaping the administration and enforcement of justice, while considering the equally important questions of professional standards, accountability, due process and public confidence.

Day One will have a strong international focus, bringing South African, African and international perspectives into conversation around the changing environment of judicial enforcement. The programme will examine areas such as cross-border enforcement, digital service and court processes, the responsible application of artificial intelligence, and the future role of judicial enforcement professionals.

Day Two will turn the focus more directly to the South African sheriffs’ profession and the practical implications of modernisation. Discussions will consider the digital sheriff’s office, transformation and sustainability of the profession, professional standards and ethics, service delivery, regulatory effectiveness and the practical changes required to prepare the profession for the future.

Through these discussions, we hope not merely to consider how technology is changing our profession, but to identify how we can use that change responsibly to strengthen the work of sheriffs and ultimately contribute towards more efficient, professional and accessible justice.

I look forward to welcoming you to Cape Town in October 2026 and to two days of meaningful discussion, shared learning and engagement as we collectively consider the future of our profession.