DAY 1 |17 JUNE 2026
The Next Phase of Transformation: Inclusive, Investable, Impactful
07:30 – 08:00 Registration & Refreshments
08:00 - 08:25 MODERATORS WELCOME |Clement Manyathela, Award-Winning Radio and Television Broadcaster
08:25 - 08:30 ORGANISERS WELCOME| Lee-Ann Bruce, Associate Publisher, Topco Media
08:30 - 08:55 MINISTER ADDRESS | The Next Phase: Why Transformation Must Be Investable and Impactful to Survive
Transformation that loses money or changes nothing will not last This keynote lays out the hard truth: the next phase of empowerment must deliver returns for investors and real outcomes for communities or it will fail The Minister will explain why the Department of Trade, Industry and Competition is shifting from compliance to competitiveness and how businesses can stay ahead by making transformation work on the ground and on the balance sheet
Speaker: Hon Parks Tau, Minister, Department of Trade, Industry & Competition
08:55 - 09:00 PUBLICATION LAUNCH | 25 Years of Top Empowerment: Celebrating Legacy, Charting the Future
For 25 years, the Top Empowerment publication has chronicled South Africa’s transformation journey, captured milestones and profiled pioneers. As we mark this milestone alongside the 50th anniversary of the June 16 Uprising, we unveil a special commemorative edition that reflects on the lessons of the past quarter-century while casting a bold gaze toward the future.
09:00 - 09:10 NEDBANK ADDRESS|Mfundo Nkuhlu, Group Chief Operating Officer, Nedbank
09:10 - 09:20 KEYNOTE ADDRESS | Lucretia Khumalo, Divisional Executive: Customer Support & Growth, IDC
09:30 - 09:45 MINISTER ADDRESS | Bridging the Opportunity Gap: Preparing Young South Africans for Meaningful Work
South Africa's youth represent one of the country's greatest assets, yet many young people continue to face significant barriers to entering and succeeding in the labour market Despite growing investments in education and skills development, a disconnect remains between the skills young people possess and the opportunities available in an evolving economy. Addressing this challenge requires a coordinated effort from government, business, educational institutions and civil society to create pathways that lead to sustainable and meaningful employment The address will highlight the importance of aligning training programmes with industry needs, expanding access to opportunities and ensuring that young people are equipped with the capabilities required to thrive in a rapidly changing labour market.
Speaker: Hon. Nomakhosazana Meth, Minister, Department of Employment & Labour
09:45 - 10:15 PANEL DISCUSSION |Resetting the Transformation Agenda: Aligning Inclusion with Economic Reality
South Africa’s transformation agenda is under pressure, from slow growth, rising inequality, and growing scepticism about impact Many organisations are stuck between compliance fatigue and unclear outcomes
This session confronts a critical question: what must fundamentally change for transformation to remain credible and effective?
The panel will explore how to shift from scorecard optimisation to real economic participation, prioritise high-impact interventions, and embed transformation into core business strategy - not as an adjunct, but as a driver of value creation. Expect a candid discussion on trade-offs, unintended consequences, and what it will take to restore momentum and legitimacy.
Panelists:
● Parmi Natesan, CEO, Institute of Directors in South Africa (IoDSA)
● Mziwabantu Dayimani, CEO, National Empowerment Fund(NEF)
● Mbali Phewa, Executive Head: Transformation, Nedbank
10:15 - 10:25 GOLD PARTNER ADDRESS |Shadi Chauke, Group Executive: Corporate Affairs & Sustainability, Sanlam
10:25 - 11:05
Hosted by Sanlam PANEL DISCUSSION|Public-Private Partnerships: Scaling Funding Solutions for Youth Employment
11:05 - 11:20
11:20 - 11:50
11:50 - 12:05
This panel focuses on the role of collaboration between government, corporates, and development funders in addressing unemployment. It will highlight how aligned funding strategies, incentives, and partnerships can scale support for SMMEs and unlock broader employment opportunities for young people
Moderator: Thandeka Nkambule, Chief Transformation Officer, Sanlam
Panelists:
● Ravi Naidoo, CEO, Youth Employment Service
● Skumsa Ntshanga, Head of Socio-Economic Transformation, SANParks
● Kaizer Moyane, CEO, Association for Savings & Investment South Africa (ASISA)
● Seapei Mafoyane, Head, 104+SMME Solution
FAST-TRACK NETWORKING
RISE & GRIND | Coffee Break
Hosted by INSETA POWERTALK|Creating Leaders, Not Just Employees: Rethinking Skills Development for the Future
Traditional skills development focuses on making people employable but the future demands more. This session argues for a fundamental shift: moving from training compliant workers to cultivate confident decision-makers, problem-solvers and entrepreneurs. Learn how to embed leadership, critical thinking and ownership mindsets into every level of learning because the next economy needs leaders, not just labour.
Speaker: Refilwe Matenche, Chairperson, INSETA
12:05 - 12:45
Hosted by SALGA PANEL DISCUSSION |Women’s Leadership and Intergenerational Partnership in Local Government
This session brings together veteran women leaders from SALGA’s Women’s Commission with emerging voices from the SALGA Youth Commission in a shared conversation to celebrate 50 years since June 16, 1976 and 3 decades of women’s leadership in democratic local government while forging a new intergenerational partnership for the future. This session explores practical models for intergenerational collaboration: mentorship that flows both ways, joint decision-making structures and
succession planning that transfers power without losing wisdom. A celebratory, honest and future-focused conversation about how women and youth can co-lead the next 30 years.
Panelists:
● Dorah Marema, Portfolio Head: Municipal Sustainability, SALGA
● Nozibele Makanda, Portfolio Head: Health, Community Services & Inclusivity, SALGA
● Cllr Lucky Sele, National Chairperson, SALGA Youth Commission & Executive Mayor, Mogale City Municipality
● Cllr Faith Msibi, Mpumalanga Provincial Chairperson, SALGA Youth Commission & MMC: Finance, Emalahleni Municipality
12:45 - 13:05
Hosted by Greysun Media FIRESIDE CHAT |The Silent Crisis: Child & Youth Mental Health as South Africa’s Next Economic Emergency
Child and youth mental health is a growing but often overlooked crisis with serious social and economic implications for South Africa. Framed through the impactful Playgrounds initiative by Greysun Media, this fireside chat explores how early intervention, storytelling and accessible psychological support can play a transformative role in addressing deep-rooted emotional challenges. Moving beyond awareness, the conversation will highlight practical, scalable solutions like corporate CSI partnerships and school-based interventions underscoring why investing in young people’s mental wellbeing is essential to building a resilient future
Speaker: Naledi Msibi, PR & Comms Director, Greysun Media & Author, Playgrounds
13:05 - 14:05 LUNCH BREAK
14:05 - 14:20 FIRESIDE CHAT| Nedbank’s Commitment to Empowerment Financing
Empowerment financing has long been a cornerstone of South Africa’s transformation agenda - yet questions remain about scale, sustainability, and real economic impact. This session moves beyond theory to examine how Nedbank is structuring commercially viable, high-impact financing solutions that enable black-owned and black-led businesses to grow, compete, and participate meaningfully in the economy.
In this session, Oscar Siziba introduces a South African entrepreneur who built a successful business from scratch, and the bank that backed them before success was guaranteed. Through real stories, he explores what empowerment finance looks like in practice: not a transaction, but a long-term relationship with a bank willing to engage in the business, not just transact with it
The discussion draws on the journey of the business founder, examining the setbacks, decisions and moments that shaped their growth, and the role Nedbank played in walking that road with them. The session challenges financial institutions to ask a harder question: Are you backing potential, or only funding proven performance?
Moderator: Oscar Siziba, Managing Executive: Commercial Banking & Mid-Corporate, Nedbank Business and Commercial Banking
Panelists:
● Bongile Tsotetsi, Managing Director, Hamisa Engineering and Mining Group
● Stephen Phalatse, Director: Business Development, Hamisa Engineering and Mining Group
14:20 - 15:00 PANEL DISCUSSION |Who Gets to Define Transformation? A Conversation Across Generations
The meaning of transformation has evolved across South Africa's democratic journey How we define transformation determines what we prioritise, how we measure progress, who we hold accountable and ultimately, what we achieve This panel brings together voices from different generations to explore how the meaning of transformation has evolved across South Africa's democratic journey and how these differing definitions shape our collective work today Through honest, intergenerational dialogue, the session will confront the tensions, celebrate the shared aspirations and forge a path toward a common vision for the next 25 years
Panelists:
● Dr Mathews Phosa, Celebrated SA Leader, Prominent Business Man and Attorney
● Nompendulo Mkhatshwa, Social Activist, Governance Practitioner & Former Member of Parliament
● Cllr Ilza Le Minnie, Western Cape Provincial Chairperson, SALGA Youth Commission & Councillor, Swartland Municipality Western Cape
PANEL DISCUSSION |Transformation in a Global Context: Aligning Capital, Policy and Inclusion
South Africa’s transformation agenda does not exist in isolation - it is shaped by global capital flows, investor expectations, and international policy trends. Yet there is often a disconnect between global frameworks for inclusive growth and the realities of emerging markets. This session brings together voices from the diplomatic, international and corporate community to explore a critical question: how can global capital and cross-border partnerships better support meaningful economic inclusion in South Africa? The discussion examines how other markets are advancing
15:00 - 15:35
inclusive growth, what investors are really looking for, and how South Africa can position itself as both investable and transformative.
Moderator: Nontyatyambo Petros, Executive Head: Group Stakeholder Relations & Public Affairs, Nedbank
Panelists:
● Bankole Osituyo, Senior Investment Officer, International Finance Corporation (IFC)
● Steffy Naicker, Group Transformation Manager, iOCO
● Lovelyn Nwadeyi, CEO, Chronicle Group
15:35 - 15:50 FIRESIDE CHAT |The Influence Economy: Media, Brands and the Business of Empowerment
Local media platforms have long played a trusted role in shaping public discourse, informing communities and reflecting everyday realities. However, beyond their traditional role in news and entertainment they also hold significant untapped potential as drivers of economic participation and inclusion. This discussion will explore how strategic communication, commercial platforms and representation can be leveraged to unlock opportunities, create jobs and contribute more directly to inclusive economic development.
Speaker: John Bailey, CEO, Sunday World
15:50 Moderators Closing Remarks
DAY 2 |18 JUNE 2026
The Next Phase of Transformation: Inclusive, Investable, Impactful
08:00 – 08:55 Registration & Refreshments
09:00 - 09:05 Moderators Opening Remarks: Clement Manyathela, Award Winning Radio and Television Broadcaster
09:05 - 09:10 NEDBANK ADDRESS| Deb Fuller, Group Executive: Human Resources, Nedbank
09:10 - 09:20 MINISTER ADDRESS |The Next Chapter of Economic Empowerment: Growth, Inclusion and Opportunity
As South Africa navigates a complex global and domestic economic landscape, the need for sustainable growth and broader economic participation has never been greater This keynote will provide a strategic overview of the country's economic outlook, key policy priorities and the opportunities that lie ahead to drive investment, create jobs and advance inclusive growth
Speaker: Hon. Enoch Godongwana, Minister of Finance
09:20 - 09:30 GOLD PARTNER ADDRESS |Sithole Mbanga, CEO, SALGA
09:30 - 09:40 KEYNOTE ADDRESS | Rachel Masuku, Group Executive: Human Resources, SABC
09:40 - 10:20
Hosted by IDC PANEL DISCUSSION |Inclusive Funding: Ensuring Entrepreneurs Are Not Left Behind
Despite the growing focus on entrepreneurship as a driver of economic growth and job creation, many entrepreneurs still face significant barriers when trying to access funding and business support This session explores how funding models can become more inclusive, accessible and responsive to the realities faced by diverse entrepreneurs across South Africa The panelists will examine how government, funders and the private sector can reduce barriers to access and create stronger support systems that enable entrepreneurs to grow, innovate and contribute to inclusive economic development
Panelists:
● Karishma Govender, General Counsel, National Empowerment Fund(NEF)
● Livhu Mukhithi, Director: Policy & Institutional Management, Department of Trade, Industry and Competition
● Lucretia Khumalo, Divisional Executive: Client Support and Growth, IDC
10:20 - 10:35
Hosted by ABP
10:35 - 10:50
Hosted by Prescient Investment Management
POWERTALK |Beyond Compliance: Professionalising the B-BBEE Industry for Sustainable Economic Transformation
This session explores the importance of professionalising the B-BBEE industry to strengthen credibility, improve accountability and drive more meaningful economic transformation. Moving beyond compliance, the discussion will examine how stronger standards, skills development and ethical implementation can support sustainable empowerment, economic inclusion and long-term impact
Speaker: Yolandi Venter, Chairperson, Association of B-BBEE Professionals & CEO of the B4i Economic Empowerment Division, within The B4i Project
POWERTALK |The Algorithm and the Agenda: AI, Innovation, and the Future of Transformation in Financial Services
The opportunity SA firms are missing Globally, diverse teams are proven to build better models SA has a talent pool and a transformation imperative that, if connected properly, could be a genuine competitive advantage Most firms are treating them as separate problems
Speaker: Nasreen Hisham, Chief Operating Officer, Prescient Investment Management
10: 50 - 11:00 FAST-TRACK NETWORKING
11:00- 11:20 RISE & GRIND | Coffee Break
11:20 - 12:00 PANEL DISCUSSION |Beyond Box-Ticking: How ESG Accelerates B-BBEE Success
B-BBEE is often treated as a local compliance burden while ESG is seen as a value driver. This panel flips the script arguing that ESG can become a powerful engine for accelerating B-BBEE. This session explores how social procurement, just transition principles and governance standards can be leveraged to drive genuine ownership, inclusive supply chains and lasting economic transformation. Turning what is often perceived as a cost into a strategic advantage for South African business.
12:30 - 12:45
12:45 - 13:00
Hosted by Central Energy Fund
POWERTALK |From Informal to Investable: How Fintech is Unlocking South Africa's Entrepreneurial Economy
South Africa's economic future will depend not only on creating new businesses, but on enabling existing entrepreneurs to grow, formalise and participate more meaningfully in the mainstream economy Yet for many small businesses, barriers such as limited access to markets, payments infrastructure, financial services and data continue to constrain growth
This session explores how technology is helping to remove these barriers by making it easier for entrepreneurs to transact, access financial services and build sustainable businesses Drawing on iKhokha's experience supporting thousands of merchants across South Africa, the session will examine the role of fintech in expanding economic participation, enabling business growth and creating pathways from informal enterprise to investable businesses.
At a time when transformation must increasingly demonstrate measurable economic impact, the discussion challenges us to rethink how innovation, digital inclusion and entrepreneurship can become powerful drivers of inclusive growth
Speaker: Kerry Balshaw, Senior Service Designer & Product Strategist, iKhokha
POWERTALK |Energy Transition Through Localized Enterprise & Supplier Development
This session explores how South Africa’s energy transition can be accelerated by building strong, localised enterprise and supplier development ecosystems. Focusing on how inclusive procurement, skills development and support for emerging businesses can ensure that the shift to a more sustainable energy future also drives industrial growth, job creation and meaningful economic participation.
Speaker: Sesakho Magadla, Managing Director, SANPC Refinery
13:00 - 14:00 LUNCH BREAK
14:00 - 14:20 FIRESIDE CHAT |What "Impact" Really Means Under the New Codes
The mandatory M&E requirement demands that companies prove their ESD spend leads to measurable outcomes like job creation, turnover growth or sustainability. But how is impact measured? This panel moves beyond theory to discuss practical methodologies, baseline assessments, attribution challenges and the role of third-party verifiers. This session equips attendees with the practical guidance needed to navigate this shift, turning a regulatory challenge into an opportunity to strengthen both compliance credibility and genuine SMME development impact.
Panelists:
● Lebohang Letsela, Head: Monitoring and Evaluation, Tshikululu Social Investments
● Melaney Oldenhof, Senior Business Development Associate, B Lab Africa
14:20 - 15:00 PANEL DISCUSSION | The Employment Guarantee: A New Standard for Youth Programmes
With youth unemployment exceeding 45%, South Africa cannot afford programmes that produce certificates but not careers. This session tackles the disconnect between training and real labour market demand focusing on how to redesign youth interventions around employment outcomes. It will explore practical models that create clear pathways into work through early employer involvement, hiring commitments, structured placement support and meaningful work experience ensuring opportunities lead to sustained employment, not just short-term placements.
Panelists:
● Dr. Nik Eberl, Chair, The Future of Jobs Summit
● Dr. Tabea Tshesane, Managing Director, Khulisane Academy and We Find Talent
● Kyle Wesemann, Transformation Executive, Labournet
● Stephen Shields, Chief Opportunity Development Officer, Harambee Youth Employment Accelerator
15:00 Moderators Closing Remarks
Conclusion : Day 2