South African Association for Language Teaching (SAALT) Conference
19 to 21 June 2023
Time Square Sun International Hotel (The Maslow) - Pretoria, GautengTheme: Advancing multilingualism – mining the wealth of our languages

Keynote Speakers 2023

Professor Piet Van Avermaet

Abstract Title

“Multilingualism, language of schooling and equity in education in Europe. How to move beyond binaries?”

Prof Christa van der Walt

Abstract Title

Possibilities for multilingual education during lockdowns.

Dr Theuns Eloff

Abstract Title

Mother-tongue eduation in South African Schools – a pipe dream?

Professor Pamela Maseko

Abstract Title

Engaging the African language literary archive: prospects for the diversification of the academic canon in South African higher education

Professor Langa Khumalo

Abstract Title

Challenging the English hegemony: Enhancing multilingualism in Digital Humanities.

Conference Programme 19 June 2023 - 21 June 2023

No changes to the programme will be considered.

General Information – Conference, venue and more

The conference is held at Time Square Sun International– Maslow Hotel, Menlyn, Pretoria.
www.suninternational.com/time-square/rooms/

Parking arrangements

Parking arrangements
The venue is situated on 209 Aramist Avenue, Menlyn, Pretoria and the undercover parking entrance is on Corobay Avenue (next to the Glen High School entrance). The security will have a list of delegate names and a parking disc will be provided, which must be returned when exiting the venue. The security will also indicate the parking area closest to the venue entrance (lifts and escalators open up to the hotel entrance). Delegates will not be charged any parking fees.

Conference venues

The conference will be held on the first floor at Diamond Ballroom 1 and Emerald breakaway rooms 1, 2 & 3. Tea and coffee will be served in the conference venue foyer on the first floor during registration. Signage boards will be situated in strategic spots while conference assistants will also be on site to direct you.

Lunch

Lunch will be served on ground level (you will pass this area to your right upon arrival en route to the lifts to gain access to the first floor). A substantial buffet is offered with one non-alcoholic beverage – further beverages may be purchased.

Welcome cocktail function

The function will be held on Monday 19 June 2023 at 18:00 for 18:30 at the Diamond Ballroom Pre-Assembly area, between the main conference hall (Diamond Ballroom) and the Emerald breakaway rooms. A welcome drink is offered and thereafter a cash bar is available.

Gala Dinner

The buffet dinner will be held on Wednesday 21 June 2023 at 18:30 for 19:00 at Diamond Ballroom 2, adjacent to the main conference hall. A welcome drink is offered, two bottles of wine per 10-person table and thereafter a cash bar is available.

Shops and restaurants

The Menlyn Maine shopping centre is across the road from the conference venue, offering various restaurants and shops for your perusal. Menlyn Mall is also close by, although not within walking distance (about 1km away). You will find more restaurants at the conference venue as well (Spur, Forti Grill & Bar, Altitude rooftop bar and more).

Internet access

Full internet access is provided at the venue. Each delegate must register by choosing ‘day visitor’, provide an email address and telephone number – press login and you will be connected. Delegates staying at the hotel will be connected by providing their room numbers.

Accommodation

  • The Maslow Hotel ***** suninternational.com.
    (There are 3-star, 4-star and 5-star rooms within the hotel.) A few special-priced rooms are available for early bookings. Please mention when making the booking that you will be attending the Saalt 2023 conference.
  • Gymnasium available for hotel guests free of charge
  • Down load the “Saalt spesific accomodation form” with great discounts below. The pdf document will show on the screen and the download button is just to the right at the top.

There are more options available at www.bookings.com but the below choices are relatively close to the venue, but not within walking distance.

Transport

There are various e-hailing companies available and the most reliable in the area is Uber.

As you might know, if you need a rental vehicle for the duration of the conference, your best option would be to book this at the same time you book your flight (certain car rental companies work with certain airlines for cheaper rates).  If not, you may contact one of the bigger car rental agencies like Avis of Europcar

Safety Tips

  • Do not leave valuable items unattended, near windows or on car seats.
  • Never walk alone, stay in a group of 2 or more.
  • Avoid taking the same route every day (only if leaving the conference venue).
  • Tell someone where you are going and how long you expect to be away.
  • Never accept a lift from a stranger.
  • Share your e-hailing ride information electronically with someone (via WhatsApp, SMS, etc).
  • Keep your wallet/purse /cell phone on your person, not in back pockets of trousers.
  • Avoid carrying large amounts of money with you and be aware of your surroundings when paying for purchases.
  • Avoid talking on your cell phone while walking in public areas – be aware of people around you.
  • Keep your hotel room key safe and use the safe in the room to store valuable items.

Places of interest in and around Pretoria – not within walking distance

  • Church Square – Pretoria central
  • Kruger House – Pretoria central
  • Pretoria Art Museum – Park Street, Arcadia
  • Freedom Park – Muckleneuk, opposite UNISA
  • Pretoria Zoo – Boom Street
  • Sammy Marks Museum – On N4 East of Pretoria
  • Fort Klapperkop on Johan Rissik Drive (not recommended in the evening due to safety reasons)
  • Pioneer Open Air Museum – Silverton
  • Union Buildings on Church Street
  • Voortrekker Monument – Centurion
  • Tswaing Meteorite Crater (40km North-West of Pretoria)
  • Cullinan Diamond Mine
  • Lesedi Cultural Village – North of Pretoria
  • Rhino and Lion Nature Reserve – Johannesburg
  • Hartebeespoort Dam and cable way – one hour’s drive West of Pretoria
  • Botanical Gardens, Brummeria
  • Sterkfontein Caves (World heritage site) – Johannesburg
  • De Wildt Cheetah and Wildlife Centre – one hour’s drive West of Pretoria