The Future of Sustainability | Conference Schedule 2024

CONFERENCE SCHEDULE

DAY ONE |

TUESDAY 19 TH MARCH 2024

08:00 - 09:00 Registration & Refreshments

08:45 - 09:00

MODERATOR’S OPENING REMARKS | Carol Tshabalala, Award-Winning Sports Broadcaster

09:00 - 09:05

ORGANISER’S WELCOME | Clay Tsapi, Project Manager: Topco Media

09:05 - 09:15

CCBSA KEYNOTE ADDRESS | Karyn Harrington, Global Vice President, Internal & Leadership Communications, Coca-Cola Africa

09:15 - 09:25

KEYNOTE ADDRESS | Dr Achieng Ojwang, Executive Director, United Nations Global Compact Network South Africa

09:25 - 09:45

MINISTERIAL ADDRESS | Hon Thokozile Didiza, Minister of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development

09:45 - 10:30

PANEL DISCUSSION | The Importance of Sustainability for Business and Incorporating Effective Measurement

This comprehensive discussion explores the nuanced dimensions of sustainability integration, emphasising a holistic approach that extends beyond environmental sustainability.

Panelists:

Lee Swan Head of Sustainability, Alexforbes

Kurt Roelandt Director, Envision Advisory Services

George Wilson Head of Institutional Trade Finance, Investec

10:30 - 10:50

Sustainable Finance for All: Inclusive Climate Resilience and Economic Development

This topic delves into the intersection of sustainable finance, climate resilience, and inclusive economic development

Thabile Nyaba Chief Risk & Sustainability Officer (CRSO), Old Mutual Insure

11:00 - 11:30

11:30 - 12:10

PANEL DISCUSSION | Renewable Energy Solutions: What are Africa’s best options for financing The Just Energy Transition?

In this session we explore where Africa stands in terms of leading on renewable energy solutions. What are the best options for Africa? What does this transition look like for Africa?

Panelists:

Blessing Manale

Head: Communications and Outreach, South African Presidential Climate Commission

Simphiwe Ngwenya Programme ManagerMitigation, South African Presidential Climate Commission

Des Muller Managing Director, NuEnergy Developments

NETWORKING COFFEE BREAK

Dr Stanley Semelane

Head Stakeholder

Relations: ESG and Sustainability, Sasol

Dhevan Pillay CEO, LTM Energy

12:10 - 12:50

PANEL DISCUSSION | Innovative Sustainability Policies to Promote a Conducive Environment to Operate

Examine the crucial role of policies in creating an enabling environment for trade and business in South Africa

Panelists:

Vuyiswa Ramokgopa Chairperson, Rise Mzansi

Khwezikazi Windvoel

Municipal and Project Finance Manager, South African Presidential Climate Commission

Dr Sibongile

Mazibuko

Deputy Director: Green Economy, The Department of Trade, Industry and Competition

12:50 - 13:05

CASE STUDY | Navigating Tomorrow’s Business Landscape: The Crucial Connection between Future Business and Sustainability

In a rapidly evolving global landscape, businesses are confronted with unprecedented challenges and opportunities.

Kevin O’Brien

Group Sustainability

Executive, The SPAR Group Ltd

13:05 - 13:20

CASE STUDY | Forging Sustainable Futures: Community Collaboration in Mine Restoration and Beyond

This case study emphasises the pivotal role of mine restoration in addressing environmental impacts of mining while contributing to sustainable development

Robyn Sally Mellett

CEO & Founder, OMI Solutions

13:20 - 14:10

LUNCH BREAK | FUEL UP AND CONNECT

THE CIRCULAR ECONOMY | ENSURING RENEWABILITY & INNOVATION

14:10 - 14:30

FIRESIDE CHAT | Cocoa Communities Thrive: Exploring Nestlé’s Income Accelerator Program and its Impact on Cocoa-Farming Families

Nestlé’s Income Accelerator Program is not only transforming the lives of cocoa-farming families but also driving sustainable development and creating shared value across cocoagrowing regions in Africa.

14:30 - 15:10

Zumi Njongwe

Business Executive

Director: Confectionery, Nestlé East and Southern Africa Region

PANEL DISCUSSION | Packaging Revolution: Transformative Pathways in Packaging for a Circular Tomorrow

Explore how various industries are transforming packaging practices to align with circular economy principles.

Panelists:

Miles Kubheka

CEO, Wakanda Food Accelerator

Patricia Pillay Chief Executive Officer, Polyco

Expert Analyst: Circular Economy, SA Plastics Pact, GreenCape

Roan Snyman

15:10 - 15:30

This discussion sheds light on the strategic importance of sustainable procurement and how it catalyses the growth of local businesses and ensures a sustainable approach to product sourcing

Panelists:

Eustace Mashimbye CEO, Proudly South African

Sanele Zulu CEO and Co-Founder, Green Youth Network

15:30 - 15:50

15:50 - 16:00

16:00 - 18:00 MODERATOR’S CLOSING REMARKS | Carol Tshabalala, Award-Winning Sports Broadcaster

CONFERENCE SCHEDULE

DAY TWO | WEDNESDAY 20 TH MARCH 2024

08:00 - 09:00

Registration & Refreshments

09:10 - 09:20

MODERATOR’S OPENING REMARKS | Leanne Manas, South African Award-winning Journalist and TV Presenter

09:20 - 09:30

CCBSA OPENING KEYNOTE ADDRESS | Nozicelo Juqula Ngcobo, Public Affairs, Communications and Sustainability Director, Coca-Cola Beverages South Africa

09:35 - 09:45

MINISTERIAL ADDRESS | Charting the Future: The National Water and Sanitation Master Plan as a Blueprint for Sustainable Development

Explore the groundbreaking National Water and Sanitation Master Plan (NW&SMP) and its pivotal role in guiding South Africa’s water sector towards sustainable development.

Hon. Senzo Mchunu, Minister, Department of Water and Sanitation

ECO-TECH | INNOVATIONS FOR THE FUTURE

09:45 - 10:05

FIRESIDE CHAT | Empowering Sustainable Job Creation: Unleashing the Potential of AI Automation for SMMEs

Dive into the transformative realm of employment sustainability focusing on how Small, Medium, and Micro Enterprises (SMMEs) can strategically leverage AI as a progressive enabling tool.

Speakers:

Ayanda

Ngcebetsha

Data and AI Director, Microsoft South Africa

10:05 - 10:45

PANEL DISCUSSION | Waste to Wealth: Waste management in South Africa and the transition to a circular economy

This panel discussion delves into the exciting future of recycling, spotlighting companies at the forefront of innovation in recycling practices.

Panelists:

Tshepo Mazibuko

CEO, K1 Recycling

Belinda Booker Recycling Enterprise Development Handover and Support, PETCO

Luyanda Hlatshwayo African Reclaimers Organisation

10:45 - 11:10

FIRESIDE CHAT | Accelerating Business performance on ESG

Panelists:

11:10 - 11:40

Rethabile Mbokodi

Programme Manager, UN Global Compact Network South Africa

Johan Thyse

Vice President: Sustainability and Reporting, Sasol

NETWORKING COFFEE BREAK

Carina Wessels

Executive for Governance, Legal, Compliance and Sustainability, Alexander Forbes

FUTURE-PROOF LEADERSHIP | CULTIVATING ORGANISATIONAL CHANGE

11:40 - 12:20

PANEL DISCUSSION | Healthy Watersheds: A Vision for the Future

This panel delves into the imperative of navigating sustainable water practices and the evolving landscape that shapes the future of water management.

Panelists:

Samir Rendera-Rees

WWF Nedbank Green Trust and Corporate Relations Manager

Dr Shafick Adams Executive Manager, Water Research Commission

Zoe Gebhardt

Branch Lead: Gauteng, Water Institute Southern Africa

12:20 - 13:00

PANEL DISCUSSION | The Future of Monitoring and Reporting: Achieving Profitability With Transparent Sustainability

Discover how to effectively measure and report your firm’s sustainability against frameworks while maintaining profitability. Learn from experts about relevant regulations and available solutions for achieving reporting goals.

Panelists:

13:05 - 14:00

Prajna Khanna

Global Head of Sustainability and Vice President, Prosus Group and Naspers Limited

Carina Wessels

Executive: Governance, Legal, Compliance and Sustainability, Alexforbe

Shameela Soobramoney CEO, National Business Initiative

Loshni Naidoo

Chief Sustainability Officer, JSE

14:05 - 14:25

Speaker: LUNCH

THE BUSINESS OF BIODIVERSITY | REGENERATIVE LAND INNOVATIONS

CASE STUDY | Sustainable Certification: A Practical Guide to Future Proofing your Business

Explore the path to becoming a certified Sustainable Entity in a fronting society and harness the certification’s potential to strengthen your market position and foster trust with stakeholders.

Henno van Deventer

Sustainability Auditor, ECOCERT

14:25 - 15:00

PANEL DISCUSSION | Holding Leaders Accountable: A Multi-Generational Perspective on Combating Corruption in Sustainable Impact Investment

According to Deloitte Global “2021 Millennial and Gen Z Survey”, Millennials and Gen Z are driving accountability and sustainability demands, urging businesses and governments to address social and environmental issues.

Panellists:

Ashleigh Theophanides Chief Sustainability Officer, Deloitte Africa

Sharan Thirbennie Lal Alexforbes Representative at the United Nations Global Compact SDG Innovation Accelerator for Young Professionals

Caroline Berns Compliance OfficerLeadership & Culture, Ericsson

15:00 - 15:40

FIRESIDE CHAT | Future-Smart Mining: What is the Mining Industry’s Role in the Race to Net Zero?

Explore the path to becoming a certified Sustainable Entity in a fronting society and harness the certification’s potential to strengthen your market position and foster trust with stakeholders

Speakers:

Agesan Rajagopaul Partner, McKinsey & Company

Maria Combrink Principal Consultant Data & Governance, ERM and Deputy Chair, WiMSA

Rajen Govender Managing Director, Weir Minerals

Busisipho Siyobi Head of Programme: Natural Resource Governance, Good Governance Afric

15:40 - 16:10

FIRESIDE CHAT | Sustainable Mobility: Driving The Green Transition with EVs

As Africa approaches 2030, EVs are increasingly driving into the spotlight. Delve into thought-provoking questions, exploring the merits of EVs and contemplating the potential of green hydrogen solutions.

George Mienie CEO, AutoTraderSA

Reando Potgieter Operations Director, Aeversa

Yusuf Norath National Franchise Operations Manager, Takealot.com

Brainfood

Take a journey away from short termism and start looking at a better future. Meet the interesting people changing Africa –and the way we work, think and live.