Ndukuyakhe Ndlovu

Preliminary abstract: The biennial meetings of the Association of Southern African Professional Archaeologists are a gathering of archaeologists with an interest in the southern African archaeology. The conference provides an invaluable platform for these archaeologists, coming from museums, universities, private archaeological practice, and government, to present and discuss their research findings. Having varying voices helps to ensure that there is real dialogue as colleagues share their thoughts on various matters of interest in the archaeological discipline. The platform also enables young researchers to share their research at various stages, allowing them an opportunity to establish themselves in the discipline of archaeology. Furthermore, students benefit by interacting with senior members of the discipline, creating network opportunities as they work to build their careers. The conference programme shall be defined by oral and poster presentations (and plenary sessions on each day of the conference), as well as round-table sessions to discuss issues relating to policy and practice. The scope of the conference covers the full span of southern African archaeology, including: current debates around human evolution and behavioural modernity, Stone Age population dynamics, social complexity, and the impacts of colonial settlement and culture contact. In addition, CRM practice, heritage management and the changing role of archaeology in southern Africa today are discussed.