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 - 09:25 Gold Partner Address | Ayanda Nkosi, Sustainability Integration & B-BBEE Specialist, HEINEKEN Beverages
09:25 - 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: Nelson Muffuh, United Nations Resident Coordinator in South Africa
09:35 - 09:55 Deputy Minister’s Address | Rebuilding Trust Through Coherent Environmental Governance
Environmental governance plays a critical role in delivering real sustainability outcomes While South Africa’s environmental policies are strong, implementation is often slowed by fragmented mandates, institutional complexity, and limited coordination across sectors. This keynote will examine how stronger institutional coordination, clearer accountability, and improved policy implementation can accelerate progress across various environmental programmes and initiatives. The Deputy Minister will share how effective environmental governance can restore public trust while strengthening the country’s commitment to a resilient and sustainable
environment.
Speaker: Hon. 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
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
10:50 - 11:00 Sustainability Quiz
11:00 - 11:30 Networking Coffee Break Rebooting Sustainability | Intelligence for Impact
11:30 - 12:10
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
12:10 - 12:25 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 Power Talk | Kival Singh, Sustainability & ESG Solutions Head, FNB
14:10 - 15:00
Hosted by FNB in 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
partnership with WesBank 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
Water security in South Africa is increasingly an economic and business issue. Aging infrastructure, rising urban demand and climate pressures are placing significant strain on municipal water systems, creating growing risks for economic stability, public health and business continuity. At the same time, strengthening water resilience requires more than infrastructure upgrades it demands diversified water solutions, stronger partnerships and innovative financing models. This session explores how business, government and communities can collaborate through practical Public-Private-Community Partnerships (PPCPs) to strengthen urban water security Panellists will discuss real-world examples, identify replicable solutions, and how business, government and communities can collaborate to drive water stewardship, unlock investment, and enhance long-term resilience.
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 - 16:05 Moderator’s Closing Remarks
16:05 - 18:00 Networking and Cocktail Function
DAY 1 END
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 - 10:00 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
10:00 - 10:35 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
10:50 - 11:00 Sustainability Quiz
11:00 - 11:30 Networking Coffee Break Policy That Serves People and Protects the Planet
11:30 - 12:00 Panel Discussion | 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.
Panelists:
● Fiona Havenga, Corporate Senior Manager: Environmental Management, Eskom
● Matt Diepenbroek, Senior Consultant: Reporting and Assurance, SLR Consulting
● Gert Breet, Business Development Head, FNB Agriculture
12:00 - 12:30
Hosted in partnership with SOUL Panel Discussion| Township Ecopreneurship: Transforming Waste into Energy, Food and Jobs
In Johannesburg's Itsoseng informal settlement, an innovative partnership is proving that waste can be the foundation of a new green economy. This session brings together community leaders, scientific institutions and private sector partners behind a pioneering bio-circular initiative that turns organic waste into biogas for clean energy and bio-fertiliser for urban agriculture and food security while training a new generation of township ecopreneurs to build enterprises around it. Our panel will share honest lessons on adapting technology for dense urban environments, building community trust and designing training that genuinely equips young people to create jobs and businesses from waste. Join us to explore what it takes to build circular economy models that centre environmental justice, economic inclusion and community agency.
Moderator: Prof. Neissan Besharati, Director Sustainability Advisory, Pan-African Financing for Development Institute (PAFDI)
Panelists:
● Ayanda Lubisi, Food Value Chain, City of Johannesburg
● Dr. Gamuchirai Mutezo, Founder, Madam Waste & Senior Research Associate, University of Johannesburg
● Danielle King, Communications Manager, Mpact Recycling
● Kully Zipethe, Community Empowerment Specialist, Sustainable Organic Urban Lifestyles (SOUL)
12:30 - 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
14:00 - 14:15 Fireside Chat| 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
14:15 - 14:50 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:
● 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)
15:00 - 15:10 Moderator’s Closing Remarks
DAY 2 CLOSE