Dan Fitzpatrick is a UK-based AI in education keynote speaker available for South African schools, school groups, principals' conferences and education events, in person on request or live online timed for South African Standard Time. A former teacher and senior leader, Forbes contributor and five-times bestselling author, he has trained more than 150,000 educators in over 30 countries.
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South Africa does not yet have a single national framework for AI in schools. In January 2026 Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi, speaking at a breakfast for the Class of 2025's top achievers ahead of the National Senior Certificate results, urged government to give learners and teachers the means to use AI as a tool for development, warned that South Africa was lagging in adoption, and said "We can't wait 17 years to integrate it into our classrooms", calling for school modernisation with free Wi-Fi, smart devices and digital learning tools. Independent and public school leaders are therefore setting their own policies on AI, assessment and student data.
Dan's keynotes give leadership teams and staff a clear starting point: what AI already does in classrooms, the decisions only leaders can make, and the human capabilities schools need to build on purpose.
In person on request, or live online in SAST (UTC+2), which overlaps well with UK working hours.
Dan is yet to keynote on a South African stage; his recent stages are in the United States, the UK, Europe and the Middle East.
Events where South African education leaders gather each year include the South African Principals' Association (SAPA) national conference and ISASA (Independent Schools Association of Southern Africa) events.
The keynotes / 04
Four conversations about AI, leadership and the future of learning.
Why the thinking must stay human when AI can do the doing
For: Teachers, support staff and whole-school training days
Keynote, half-day or full-day · in person or online
What AI is already changing in your school, and what only you can decide
For: Senior leaders, governors and whole staff
Keynote, half-day or full-day · in person or online
Strategy, governance and courage for school leaders in an AI world
For: Heads, trust and district leaders, governors and leadership conferences
Keynote, half-day or full-day · in person or online
What our children really need when the future won't sit still
For: Education conferences, whole school communities and system leaders
Keynote or conference opener · in person or online
What education leaders say
Dan's keynote woke us up to the urgency of embracing AI in education and challenged us to grab the opportunity with both hands. He certainly has left a lasting impression on our entire education service.
Getting Dan into your school to speak for one hour will transform your teachers' way of thinking. It will be the best PD you do all year.
Dan Fitzpatrick offers a bold and transformative vision for the future of learning in the AI era.
Questions organisers ask
In person on request; travel is agreed as part of the quote. Live online keynotes in SAST are available at any time.
Not yet on a South African stage; recent stages are in the United States, the UK, Europe and the Middle East.
Fees depend on the format (keynote, half-day or full-day), the size and type of audience, whether the session is in person or online, and travel. Schools, trusts and districts are quoted differently from commercial conferences and companies. Choose a budget band on the booking form and you will receive a clear quote.
Every enquiry receives a reply within one working day.
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