DAY
1 | 24 March 2026
Africa’s Green Horizon: Leading the Global Transition
08:00 - 09:00 Registration and Refreshments
09:00 - 09:05 Moderators Welcome | Leanne Manas, Award-winning South African radio presenter and television broadcaster
09:05 - 09:10 Organiser’s Welcome | Ralf Fletcher, CEO, Topco Media
09:10 - 09:15 Gold Partner Address |Senior Representative, HEINEKEN Beverages
09:15 - 09:35 Keynote Address | The Next Decade of Development: What Must Change Now to Secure Africa’s Future
As Africa enters a decisive decade, the question is no longer what our development ambitions are but how quickly and credibly we can deliver them. Amid climate shocks, fiscal pressure, demographic growth and global uncertainty, this keynote explores the critical shifts needed now to place African economies on a resilient, inclusive and sustainable path to 2030 and beyond Reframing Africa as more than a passive recipient of global agendas but an active architect of its own future. This session aims to challenge leaders across government, business and civil society to rethink risk, accelerate execution and align capital with outcomes that create jobs, safeguard natural systems and strengthen social cohesion.
Speaker: Maxwell Gomera, Resident Representative of the United Nations Development Program in South Africa
09:35 - 09:55 Deputy Minister’s Address | Rebuilding Trust Through Coherent Environmental Governance
South Africa’s environmental policies are strong but implementation often falters due to fragmented governance and unclear mandates This keynote will examine how restoring coherence, accountability and capacity across institutions can turn ambition into action. The Deputy Minister will share strategies for accelerating forestry, fisheries and biodiversity initiatives, demonstrating how effective governance delivers results and rebuilds public confidence in the country’s commitment to a resilient and
sustainable environment.
Speaker: Narend Singh, Deputy Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment
The Next Cycle | Engineering the Circular Revolution
09:55 - 10:35
Hosted by HEINEKEN Beverages
10:35 - 10:50
Hosted by Solar Energy Africa
Panel Discussion | Supporting Grassroots Green Waste Champions: Tools, Finance and Mentorship
Grassroots green entrepreneurs are at the forefront of South Africa’s circular economy transforming everyday waste into marketable products. Yet, these innovators often face barriers such as limited access to finance, technical skills, markets and institutional support. This session will explore practical interventions that empower small-scale entrepreneurs to scale their impact and build sustainable businesses.
Panelists:
● Tlou Sebola, Collections and Training Manager, Petco
● Molatelo Motau, Sustainability Manager, HEINEKEN Beverages
● Ntombizanele Makoko, Sustainability Programs Director, GreenWay Africa
Case Study |Practical Lessons for Implementing Commercial Solar Projects
Transitioning to commercial solar comes with both opportunities and challenges. This case study offers hands-on insights from real-world projects highlighting successes, obstacles and key takeaways. Delegates will leave with practical guidance on planning, financing and executing solar initiatives that deliver measurable savings, resilience and sustainability outcomes.
Speaker: Jessica Van de Merwe, Managing Director, Solar Energy Africa
10:50 - 11:00 Sustainability Quiz
11:00 - 11:30 Networking Coffee Break
11:30 - 12:10
12:10 - 12:25
Panel Discussion | The End of "Trust Me" Sustainability Through Green Data
With carbon tax audits, JSE reporting, ESG obligations and climate-related litigation increasing, sustainability claims based on estimates alone are no longer enough. This session explores how organisations can turn non-financial reporting into credible, assured and audit-ready information. Learn about practical technologies, systems and processes that strengthen reporting integrity, reduce liability and build stakeholder trust in integrated sustainability reports.
Panelists:
● Loshni Naidoo, Chief Sustainability Officer, JSE
● Ian Mtegha, Professional Manager: Standards, Independent Regulatory Board for Auditors (IRBA)
● Belinda Carreira, CEO, SustainableDNA
● Kirsten Minnaar, Principal Consultant: Assurance, SLR Consulting
Hosted by Mashudu Tinyiko Consulting Case Study | The "Governance-First" Model for Grassroots Sustainability
Sustainability for township and rural MSMEs is Institutional Resilience. This case study demonstrates how bridging the 'Compliance Gap' through proprietary procurement tools and QCTO-accredited technical training transforms grassroots businesses into 'audit-ready' assets. By derisking the informal economy, we fulfil the NDP 2030 targets and the National Dialogue’s promise of inclusive growth.
Speaker: Nonhlanhla Nkadimeng, CEO, Mashudu Tinyiko Consulting
12:25 - 13:00 Panel Discussion | Beyond Net Zero: Practical Climate Adaptation Strategies
South Africa has poured political attention, investment and policy effort into mitigation (especially energy transition) but far less into adaptation, even though climate impacts are already hitting communities, infrastructure and the economy. This session unpacks why adaptation remains underfunded and underprioritised and showcases practical pathways to fix the imbalance. This is a call to move beyond mitigation and invest in resilience where it matters most
Panelists:
● Dr Cecilia Schultz, Senior Analyst: Infrastructure and JET, Krutham
● Collins Nyamadzawo, Senior Stakeholder Specialist: JET-IP Programme, IDC
● Mandy Hattingh, Director: Energy and Environmental, NSDV Law
13:00 - 14:00
LUNCH BREAK | Fuel Up and Connect
14:00 - 14:10
14:10 - 15:00
Hosted by FNB in partnership with WesBank
Power Talk | Kival Singh, Sustainability & ESG Solutions Head, FNB
Workshop |Finance Growth and Enable Sustainability For Your Business
FNB and WesBank provide integrated sustainability solutions designed to support your journey toward a more sustainable future. By embedding sustainability into your everyday life and business strategy, you can unlock new opportunities for growth, resilience and long-term value creation. In today’s landscape, adopting sustainable practices is more critical than ever yet access to the right solutions remains a challenge. In this session, we’ll explore practical ways individuals and businesses can navigate their sustainability journey. Our speakers will share real-world use cases to highlight emerging trends and provide educational insights across SMEs, large enterprises and corporates across sectors. We’ll unpack the challenges and opportunities that arise, equip you with expert-led advice and tailored solutions to help you manage energy, water, New Energy Vehicles (NEVs), Green Building Certification, agriculture and climate related needs – empowering you for long-term success
Moderator: Kival Singh, Sustainability & ESG Solutions Head, FNB
Panelists:
● Kyle Durham, Commercial Head of Sustainability, FNB
● Linda Cele, Product Head: Key Accounts & Partnerships, WesBank
● Kenny Kirkby, Transactor, RMB Sustainable Finance Team
15:00 - 15:30
Hosted in partnership with UNGCNSA
Panel Discussion| Practical Partnerships for Urban Water Security
Worsening water crises are increasingly threatening business continuity, economic stability and public health. This session moves beyond discussion to hands-on learning focusing on practical models of Public-Private-Community Partnerships (PPCPs) that are actively addressing water system failures. Participants will explore real-world case studies, identify replicable solutions and engage directly with experts to understand how collaboration between government, business and communities can secure urban water systems.
Moderator: Dr Achieng Ojwang, Executive Director, UN Global Compact Network South Africa
Panelists:
● Thabisile Phumo, Executive Vice President: Stakeholder Relations, Sibanye-Stillwater
● Conny Sethaelo, Director: Corporate Communications and Public Affairs, Nestlé
● Matthew Cheney, Director: Business Development, Hall Core Water
● Aubrey Nxumalo, Acting General Manager: Strategic Asset Management, Rand Water
15:30 - 16:00 Panel Discussion | Buying Local, Building Local: Supporting SMEs Through Local Supply Chains
SMEs are the backbone of local economies but many face barriers to participating in supply chains. This session focuses on practical ways to support SMEs through financing, skills development and partnerships while also exploring how organisations can leverage responsible sourcing and their broader value chain to amplify community impact, strengthen local enterprises and create long-term business and social value.
Panelists:
● Catherine Wijnberg, CEO, Fetola
● Charles Wyeth, Enterprise and Supplier Development Manager, HEINEKEN Beverages
● Jan de Kock, Head: CFM Origination, Absa Corporate and Investment Banking
● Johan Oosthuizen, Sustainable Sourcing Lead for Africa, SLR Consulting 16:00
DAY 2 | 25 March 2026
Africa’s Green Horizon: Leading the Global Transition
08:00 - 09:15 Registration and Refreshments
09:30 - 09:35 Moderators Welcome | Leanne Manas, Award-winning South African radio presenter and television broadcaster
09:35 - 09:50 Keynote Address | Powering Change: Lessons, Milestones and the Road Ahead
This keynote explores Eskom’s journey of transformation, highlighting key achievements in governance, operational performance and leadership reforms. Reflecting on lessons learned from past challenges, milestones in efficiency and reliability improvements and how new leadership is embedding a culture of accountability, innovation and sustainability to drive the organisation’s ongoing turnaround. This session provides insights into how large, complex utilities can navigate systemic challenges while positioning themselves for long-term resilience and national impact
Speaker: Nontokozo Hadebe, Group Executive: Strategy & Sustainability, Eskom
09:50 - 10:10 Deputy Minister’s Address | Partnerships for Progress: Local, National and Global Collaboration in Water Management
Water challenges in South Africa are complex, spanning infrastructure deficits, climate variability, population growth and inequities in access. Addressing these challenges requires more than national action but strong partnerships that bring expertise, innovation and resources from across sectors and borders. This keynote will explore how strategic partnerships, both domestic and international, are driving transformative solutions in South Africa’s water sector. Highlighting initiatives like the Blue Deal Programme, which leverage knowledge exchange, technical support and collaborative innovation to strengthen water security and sustainability
Speaker: Hon. David Mahlobo, Deputy Minister of Water and Sanitation
The Green Engine| Investing in Shared Prosperity
10:10 - 10:40
11:00 - 11:15
11:15 - 11:40
Panel Discussion| Navigating the Carbon Curve: Strategies for Managing Rising Carbon Costs in South Africa
With Phase 2 of South Africa's carbon tax now in effect and free allowances declining, the financial pressure to reduce emissions has never been greater. But navigating this new landscape requires a technical understanding of your carbon footprint and a clear roadmap for reduction. Gain actionable insights on turning regulatory requirements into competitive advantage, reducing emissions and building resilience in a rapidly evolving carbon landscape.
Panelists:
● Zeph Nhleko, Chief Economist and Group Executive: Strategy & Sustainability, Development Bank of Southern Africa
● Jarredine Morris, Associate Director: Co-Head, The Carbon Trust Africa
● Shaun Slabber, Co-Founder & CEO, Crunch Carbon
● Takalani Gangazhe, Associate Director: Corporate Sustainability, SLR Consulting
11:40 - 11:55
11:55 - 12:25
Hosted
Fireside Chat | Where Nature Meets Finance: How Banks Are Stress-Testing Nature-Related Risk
Banks are beginning to treat biodiversity loss, water stress and ecosystem degradation as real financial risks, not side issues. This session unpacks how leading institutions are integrating nature into credit assessments, lending decisions and portfolio strategies. From TNFD-aligned disclosures to scenario modelling and sector-level stress tests, this panel explores the tools, data and governance shifts reshaping sustainable finance.
Panelist:
● Fiona Havenga, Corporate Senior Manager: Environmental Management, Eskom
Panel Discussion| Itsoseng bio-circular economy pilot project (TBC)
in partnership with SOUL
12:25 - 13:00 Panel Discussion|Making Commitments Count: Tools for Credible ESG and Transformation Outcomes
Many organisations set ambitious goals on ESG, transformation and social impact but intentions alone rarely translate into meaningful results. This session helps leaders identify where gaps in governance, ethics, transparency and culture are undermining real impact. Participants will learn practical ways to embed accountability, strengthen anti-corruption measures, align KPIs with outcomes and create internal structures that turn stated purpose into measurable, systemic change.
Panelists:
● Zama Pila, Group ESG Manager, Dis-Chem
● Mpho McNamee, Group Chief Corporate Affairs Officer, Telkom
● Melaney Oldenhof, Senior Business Development Associate, B Lab Africa
● Eric Leong Son, Former Head of Sustainability, Advisor & Mentor
13:00 - 14:00 Lunch Accountable and Inclusive| Driving Change Responsibly
14:00 - 14:40 Panel Discussion| Land, Power and Climate Resilience: Why Women’s Ownership Matters
Land is the foundation of Africa’s climate response and women are central to managing that land yet they remain largely excluded from ownership. This discussion reveals how gendered land inequity weakens adaptation strategies, disrupts food systems and increases vulnerability during climate shocks. The session looks at pathways to shift power: legal reforms, customary law transformation, financial inclusion and community-led governance models that place women at the centre of resilience planning
Panelists:
● Tshego Selepe, Lead: Grower Program Pre and Post Investment, Land and Agricultural Development Bank of South Africa
● Robyn Faith Sauls, Founder, Sault’d Rose
● Senior Representative, National Movement of Rural Women*
14:40 - 15:20 Panel Discussion | Young, Gifted and Green: Giving Youth a Voice in Environmental Governance
This session tackles the critical gap between youth activism and real decision-making power in environmental governance. This dialogue brings together pioneering youth leaders who are rewriting the rules, alongside forward-thinking policymakers and corporate leaders committed to genuine power-sharing.
Panelists:
● Sara Hamouda, Senior Continental Governance Officer, APRM Continental Secretariat
● Amelia Francis, Country Manager & Head of Programme: SDG Challenge South Africa
● Lesedi Monnanyane, Researcher: Energy and Industrial Transitions, Centre for Sustainability Transitions, Stellenbosch University
● Solami Buthelezi, National Spokesperson, National Executive Economic Collective (NEXEC)
15:20 - 15:30 Moderator’s Closing Remarks DAY 2 CLOSE