Welcome from the Co-Chairs
“The Click Song”, or Qongqothwane in isiXhosa, refers to species of tenebrionid beetles that make a distinctive knocking sound by tapping their abdomens on the ground and are therefore also known as “toktokkies”. Toktokkies are used in children’s games to point the way home, but this also has a deeper meaning in Xhosa culture, with the beetles pointing the way to a better future in times of trouble.
With this symbolism in mind, we welcome you to Cape Town, South Africa, for the XXVIII International Congress of Entomology in 2028 (ICE 2028).
The International Congress of Entomology has only been hosted on the African continent once, in 2008, when it was successfully hosted by the Entomological Society of Southern Africa (ESSA) in Durban, South Africa. The year 2028 will mark 20 years since that prestigious, important and transformative event. It is time for Africa to once again welcome the world’s entomologists to share their knowledge and point the world towards a better future that all can look forward to.
For this reason the theme of ICE 2028 is: “Entomology for a better future”.
As we face the global biodiversity crisis, the toktokkie points us towards a better future, one where entomology contributes to improving many lives. ICE 2028 in Cape Town offers an opportunity for Africa and the rest of the Global South to join in the journey to this better future, while still offering a world class conference venue and city for international delegates.
We look forward to welcoming you to Cape Town for ICE 2028!
Prof. Chris Weldon and Prof. Iain Paterson
