DAY 1 | 31 JULY 2025
Empowerment Through Bold Transformation
08:00 – 08:55 Registration & Refreshments
09:00 - 09:05 MODERATORS WELCOME | Leanne Manas, Award-winning South African radio presenter and television broadcaster & Host of Morning Live
09:05 - 09:10 ORGANISERS WELCOME| Ralf Fletcher, Chief Executive Officer, Topco Media
09:10 - 09:20 NEDBANK ADDRESS|Khensani Nobanda, Group Executive: Group Marketing and Corporate Affairs, Nedbank
09:20 - 09:30 HOST CITY ADDRESS|Dada Morero, Executive Mayor, City of Johannesburg*
09:30 - 09:40 DEPUTY MINISTER ADDRESS |Building Confidence, Unlocking Potential: A Results-Driven Approach to the Transformation Fund
The Transformation Fund is more than just financial capital, it is a catalyst for meaningful, lasting economic change By fostering transparency, optimising investment, and actively addressing concerns, we can unlock South Africa’s full economic potential. Through this keynote, Hon. Minister Tau will invite key stakeholders to collaborate,contribute, and drive the success of this transformative initiative
Speaker: Hon. Zuko Godlimpi, Deputy Minister, Department of Trade, Industry and Competition
The Future of Transformation: Creating Pathways to Shared Economic Success
09:40 - 10:25 PANEL DISCUSSION| The Changing Landscape of BBBEE: Policies, Frameworks, and the Road Ahead
This panel explores the progression of BBBEE policies and frameworks, highlighting key *=Invitedspeaker/notconfirmedorcommittedasyet
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milestones, recent legislative updates, and their implications for businesses. It will delve into the shift from compliance to meaningful transformation, the role of businesses in driving sustainable growth, and what the future holds for BBBEE in shaping an inclusive economy.
Panelists:
● Monde Ndlovu, Managing Director, Black Management Forum (BMF)
● Stanley Grau, Deputy Chairperson, Association of B-BBEE Professionals & Managing Director, MSCT BEE Services
● Bongiwe Kunene, Managing Director, Banking Association South Africa
● Rachel Malatji, Executive Manager: Compliance, B-BBEE Commission
● May Hermanus, Independent Non-Executive Director, Nedbank
10:25 - 10:35
Hosted by
bp Southern Africa
10:35 - 11:15
Hosted by Merchants
POWERTALK|Lessons in Transformation from the Energy Frontline
In a sector facing immense disruption and opportunity, bp Southern Africa (bpSA) has charted a bold course anchored in transformation, inclusion and long-term impact Grounded in insights from its DE&I white paper developed in collaboration with GIBS and Accenture, this keynote offers a behind the scenes look at bpSA’s strategic evolution across its transformation pillars – highlighting what it takes to lead meaningful change, embed equity across operations and build a more inclusive energy future for South Africa
Speaker: Taelo Mojapelo, CEO, bp Southern Africa
PANEL DISCUSSION | Shaping Youth Careers in Underserved Communities
In many underserved communities, youth employment initiatives are often limited to short-term placements that offer little long-term value. This session unpacks how we can shift from temporary roles to meaningful employment strategies that truly empower young people. With a focus on impact sourcing, targeted skills development and scalable initiatives like Merchants’ township hubs. Discover how we can create sustainable career pathways, it's time to move beyond 12 month stints and start building futures
Panelists:
● Eteboheng Llale, Vice President Finance, Merchants
● Ravi Naidoo, CEO, Youth Employment Service (YES)
● Mbali Tshabalala, BBBEE Transformation Manager, Sanofi
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● Mthetho Mhlafu, Project Manager, The Jobs Fund*
11:15 - 11:25 A NEDBANK CASE STUDY | Nedbank’s Journey of Consistent Empowerment Excellence*
With seven consecutive years at Level 1, Nedbank has set the benchmark for transformative sustainable implementation of the BBBEE codes. This session offers an in-depth look at the strategies, systems and culture that have enabled long term empowerment success. Gain insights into how Nedbank continues to embed transformation into its core business operations, navigate evolving compliance landscapes and deliver impact that extends beyond scorecards to real economic inclusion.
Kershini Govender, Executive Head: Transformation, Nedbank
11:25 - 11:35 RISE & GRIND | Coffee Break
Business for Change: Accelerating Economic and Social Reconciliation
11:35 - 11:50
Hosted by Vaxowave
POWERTALK|The Future of Work: Leveraging Tech for Inclusive and Scalable Growth
As digital transformation accelerates across Africa, so does the urgency to equip the workforce with future-fit skills This session explores how inclusive skilling models, remote and hybrid work structures and tech-driven innovation are creating new pathways for youth employment, entrepreneurship and economic mobility From microcredentials to digital hubs, discover how South Africa and the continent is reimagining work not just for today, but for a sustainable, inclusive tomorrow.
Speaker: Kume Luvhani, Co-Founder & Executive Director, Vaxowave
11:50 - 11:55 POWERTALK|Alveena Pillay, Executive: Strategic Partnerships, iME
11:55 - 12:30
Hosted by iMe
PANEL DISCUSSION| Empowering Transformation through Digital Innovation
As digital transformation reshapes the way organisations hire, engage, and grow, this discussion explores how innovative tools like one-way interviews, multiway video, and live streaming are enabling businesses to streamline processes, enhance collaboration, and scale impact. From corporates to SMEs, we’ll look at how tech is *=Invitedspeaker/notconfirmedorcommittedasyet
bridging operational gaps, boosting agility, and unlocking new ways to connect in a digital-first world.
With real-world insights and examples, this session will highlight how purpose-built platforms like iME are driving meaningful change across sectors, equipping businesses and individuals to build a more connected, efficient, and future-ready economy.
Panelists:
● Mbuso Khoza, Chief Technology Officer, iME*
● Talitha Boodhram, Chief Sales & Marketing Officer, MiDesk Global*
● Kevin Trethewey, Enterprise AI:Head of Software Engineering, SandTech*
12:30 -13:10 PANEL DISCUSSION |Driving Shared Prosperity in Africa Through Integration and Innovation
From building resilient digital and physical infrastructure to enhancing intra-African trade and empowering the next generation of entrepreneurs, this session explores how collaborative innovation, infrastructure development and purpose driven partnerships are accelerating inclusive growth and shaping a resilient, forward moving continent
Speakers:
● Aliou Maïga, Regional Industry Director, Financial Institutions Group, Africa, IFC
● Zakariya Alli, Chief Financial Officer, FASSET SETA
● Meisie Nkau, Chief Executive Officer, AFROSAI E
● Dr Terence Sibiya, Group Managing Executive for Nedbank Africa Regions (NAR), Nedbank
13:10 - 14:05 LUNCH BREAK
Pioneering the Next Wave of Transformation
14:05 - 14:45
Hosted by Sanlam PANEL DISCUSSION |From Learning to Earning: Empowering Women and Youth Through Lifelong Education
As the lines between education, entrepreneurship and employment continue to blur, traditional learning models must evolve to meet the real-world needs of youth and women. This discussion explores innovative approaches that connect education to income-generating opportunities from skills-based training and
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mentorship to entrepreneurial incubation and digital literacy. By rethinking how learning translates into economic participation, we can create inclusive pathways that empower women and youth to thrive in a rapidly changing economy.
Moderator: Oletilwe Ramashala, Head of Business Development & Strategic Partnerships, Sanlam
Speakers:
● Portia Mogale, Managing Executive: Human Capital, Sanlam & Chairperson of Sanlam’s Women Network
● Tsholo Mogotsi, Chief Partnerships Officer, Youth Employment Service (YES)
● Tshegofatso Rakwena,Youth Entrepreneur & Founder, Tshegosview
● Sinikeziwe Tshobisa, Youth Entrepreneur & Co-Founder, Kfox 2nd Couture Board Couture
14:45 - 15:00 FIRESIDE CHAT |From Canvas to Code: What Banking Can Learn from the Art World’s Digital Renaissance*
As the art world rapidly adapts to digital innovation, embracing NFTs, AI-generated art, and blockchain, banks are facing increasing pressure to modernise and humanise their services This session draws parallels between how the art world has used technology to democratise access, redefine ownership and build new markets, and how banking can adopt similar strategies to drive racial transformation and financial inclusion
Speaker: Ciko Thomas, Group Managing Executive: Personal & Private Banking, Nedbank
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15:00 - 15:40
Hosted by Sanofi
PANEL DISCUSSION | Strengthening Local Healthcare Systems Through Inclusive Innovation*
As South Africa strives to build a more resilient and equitable healthcare system, the focus must move beyond simply increasing access to care toward creating meaningful, lasting impact. This session will explore how inclusive innovation is driving this shift, highlighting the role of localised research and development (R&D), scalable health technologies and public-private partnerships in addressing systemic gaps.
Speakers:
● TBC
15:40 - 16:10 PANEL DISCUSSION | A New Era of Leadership: Elevating Youth Voices for Impact
Young leaders are no longer waiting for a seat at the table because they are building their own From entrepreneurship and activism to corporate innovation and policy influence, youth are shaping the future with bold ideas and fresh perspectives This discussion will focus on the role of mentorship, inclusive leadership, and cross-generational collaboration in creating a more dynamic and forward-thinking society Discover how businesses, governments, and communities can support and amplify youth leadership?
Speakers:
● Asanda Luwaca, Executive Chairperson, National Youth Development Agency(NYDA)
● Matoti Buthelezi, Group Chief Executive, National Executive Economic Collective(NEXEC)
● Nico Pampier, Human Rights and Education Activist & UN Youth Representative
● Margret Molefe, Executive Deputy Chairperson, South African BRICS Youth Association (SABYA)
16:10 - 16:15 Moderators Closing Remarks: Leanne Manas, Award-winning South African radio presenter and television broadcaster & Host of Morning Live
DAY 2 | 01 August 2025
Empowerment Through Bold Transformation
08:00 – 08:55 Registration & Refreshments
09:00 - 09:10 Moderators Opening Remarks: Leanne Manas, Award-winning South African radio presenter and television broadcaster & Host of Morning Live
09:10 - 09:20 NEDBANK KEYNOTE ADDRESS| Priya Naidoo, Group Executive: Strategy, Nedbank
09:20 - 09:35 MINISTER ADDRESS |Celebrating Women’s Month: Advancing Women, Youth, and Persons with Disabilities through Policy and Action
This keynote session will dive into the critical policies and action plans that are central to empowering women, youth, and persons with disabilities in South Africa. As the country celebrates Women’s Month, it is an ideal time to reflect on the progress made in advancing equality, while recognising that much work remains to be done to ensure the full inclusion of these groups in all facets of society.
Hon. Sindisiwe Chikunga, Minister of Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities
Unlocking Success Through Transformation
09:35 - 10:10 PANEL DISCUSSION |The Transformation Landscape: A Holistic Roadmap to Empowerment
Explore the full spectrum of transformation, from skills development to enterprise growth and inclusive leadership. This session takes a landscape level view of South Africa’s transformation journey, highlighting how organisations can align their strategies across multiple pillars of empowerment. Hear from leaders who are actively shaping inclusive growth through bold, integrated approaches that drive sustainable impact across sectors.
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Speakers:
● Mpho Phaloane, Executive: Accreditation, South African National Accreditation System (SANAS)
● Livhu Mukhithi, Director: Policy & Institutional Management, Department of Trade, Industry and Competition
● Candice Moodley, Corporate Services Executive, EWSETA
● Yolandi Venter, Chairperson, Association of B-BBEE Professionals & CEO of the B4i Economic Empowerment Division, within The B4i Project
10:10 - 10:25
Hosted by Diversifi POWER TALK |Empowered Women, Empowered Organisations: Unlocking Bold Futures for All
10:25 - 10:40
Empowered women do more than advance their own careers they catalyse bold, organisation‐wide transformation. When women are equipped to lead, they help cultivate cultures of care, embed equity into daily practice, and position wellness and psychological safety as strategic imperatives. More than a personal journey, empowerment becomes a powerful organisational lever reshaping how we lead, work, and thrive together. This session will unpack how and why investing in women today unlocks resilient,high‐performing workplaces for everyone tomorrow
Speaker: Erosha Govender, CEO, Diversifi and Director, Alternative Prosperity Holdings & AP Foundation
Hosted by NHFC POWER TALK ||Building for the Future: Housing as a Catalyst for Economic Inclusion
10:40 - 11:00
Housing is a critical tool for economic transformation, job creation and social mobility. This session will explore how integrated housing developments can drive inclusive economic growth by creating employment opportunities, support for small businesses and uplift historically disadvantaged communities
Speaker: Azola Meyekiso, CEO, National Housing Finance Corporation (NHFC)*
RISE & GRIND | Coffee Break
11:00 - 11:15 CASE STUDY |Wealth with Purpose: Redefining Legacy for Generational Impact in a Transforming World
As South Africa grapples with a growing inequality gap, a new generation of empowered individuals and families is transforming the meaning of wealth No longer
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defined by accumulation alone, wealth is being reimagined as a tool for legacy-building rooted in values, leadership, and long-term impact. This paradigm shift calls for a deeper partnership between clients and wealth managers, one that moves beyond inheritance planning to enable purpose-led influence through philanthropy, education, enterprise development and community upliftment.
Wealth with Purpose is not just a financial strategy, it’s a call to lift as we rise. It positions wealth management as a vital partner in articulating and activating legacy goals that shape a more inclusive future where affluence fuels sustainable change and legacy becomes a living force for good.
Speaker: Makhosazane Mampa, Nedbank Private Wealth Finance Executive
11:15 - 11:55
Hosted by SALGA
PANEL DISCUSSION |Gender Transformation in Local Government: Towards Economic Inclusion and Institutionalisation of Gender-Responsive Governance
This session explores how local government can serve as a driver of gender equality by embedding gender-responsive policies into governance structures, budgeting processes, and service delivery. It will examine how institutional reforms and targeted interventions can empower women economically, amplify their participation in decision-making, and ensure that local development priorities reflect the needs of all citizens. Through case studies and policy insights, the discussion will highlight pathways to creating inclusive municipalities that foster equitable growth and sustainable change.
Speakers:
● Cllr Nomvuyo Mposelwa, National Chairperson, SALGA Women’s Commission & Executive Mayor of Joe Gqabi District Municipality
● Cllr Eunice Mgcina, MMC: Development Planning, City of Johannesburg Metropolitan Municipality
● Cllr Kenalemang Phukintsi, Executive Mayor, Tswelopele Local Municipality
● Dr Sithembile Mbethe, Executive Director, Public Affairs Research Institute (PARI)
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11:55 - 12:10
Hosted by TEG
POWERTALK |ESD IS THE KEY
This talk explores why Enterprise and Supplier Development (ESD) remains a cornerstone of meaningful transformation in South Africa. From unlocking growth opportunities for small businesses to strengthening corporate value chains, ESD plays a critical role in creating inclusive economic participation. Learn how innovative ESD strategies are helping build resilient, empowered entrepreneurs who can scale sustainably and drive long-term impact.
Speaker: Tshegetsang Sebeela, Chief Executive Officer, TEG
Sustainable Transformation: Paving the Way for a Greener, Fairer Future
12:10 - 12:50
Hosted by PSIRA PANEL DISCUSSION |Empowering Transformation in the Private Security Industry: Compliance, Innovation and Inclusive Growth
As one of South Africa’s largest and most labour-intensive sectors, the private security industry plays a vital role in not only safeguarding communities but also driving economic empowerment. This session explores how companies can align with transformation imperatives by embracing B-BBEE compliance, investing in upskilling and technology and supporting inclusive growth through enterprise and supplier development.
Speakers:
● Mmatlou Sebogodi, Chief Financial Officer, PSIRA
● Juwayria Amod, Executive Manager: Learning Programmes, SASSETA*
● Wahl Bartmann, Group CEO, Fidelity Services Group*
● Lerato Seriba, Head of Learning and Development, G4S Secure Solutions
13:05 - 14:00 LUNCH BREAK
Inclusion as a Driver of Transformation: Building Equitable Communities
14:00 - 14:20 MINISTER ADDRESS|Creating a Financial Sector That Reflects South Africa’s Diversity
This session explores how financial institutions can go beyond compliance to deliver real,
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measurable transformation. From empowering black professionals into leadership pipelines to designing inclusive financial products and prioritising investments in underserved communities, the conversation will highlight practical ways the sector can align with national transformation goals. By embedding diversity, equity and access into core strategies, the financial services industry can become a powerful engine for inclusive growth and long-term economic resilience.
Speaker: Hon. Nomakhosazana Meth, Minister, Department of Employment and Labour
14:20 - 14:50 PANEL DISCUSSION | Making Disability Inclusion a Business Imperative
This session explores how organisations can move beyond compliance and token initiatives to fully integrate disability inclusion into their operations, workforce planning and leadership culture. By embedding accessibility, inclusive hiring practices and workplace accommodations into the fabric of their business, companies can unlock new talent, drive innovation and create a more equitable and competitive marketplace Experts and industry leaders will share practical approaches, success stories and key strategies for making disability inclusion a sustainable and impactful business priority
Speakers:
● Nkosinathi Ndlovu, CEO, South African Disability Development Organisation
● Prof. Kwazi Majola, Associate Professor, University of Limpopo
● Kaz Chetty, Business Manager, Bradshaw LeRoux Consulting
● Deb Fuller, Group Executive: Human Resources, Nedbank
14:50 - 15:30 PANEL DISCUSSION | Gender Equality in the Workplace: Policies that Drive Empowerment and Inclusion
This panel discussion will explore the essential policies and practices that organisations need to implement to foster gender equality in the workplace. Despite the progress made over the years, women still face significant barriers to career advancement, leadership positions, and fair compensation. This session will examine the strategies, frameworks, and best practices that businesses can adopt to ensure women have equal opportunities in every aspect of their professional lives
Speakers:
● Lerisha Naidu, Managing Partner, Baker McKenzie South Africa
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● Dr. Simamkele Dlakavu, Research Fellow, Nelson Mandela University Centre for Women and Gender Studies & Executive Director, Dlakavu Impact Strategies
● Thuli Maboe, Africa: Corporate Citizenship Lead, Accenture
● Reyana Sallie, Chair, Nedbank Gender Equity Forum
15:30 - 15:45 Moderators Closing Remarks: Leanne Manas, Award-winning South African radio presenter and television broadcaster & Host of Morning Live
Conclusion : Day 2
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