DAY 1 | 17 JULY 2024
Africa Rising: Navigating the Path of Inclusive Transformation
08:00 – 08:55 Registration & Refreshments
Moderators Opening Remarks: Leanne Manas, Award winning South African radio presenter wand television broadcaster, Host of Morning Live
ORGANISERS INTRO: Lee-Ann Bruce, Associate Publisher, Topco Media
09:00 - 09:15 NEDBANK ADDRESS| Mfundo Nkuhlu, Chief Operating Officer, Nedbank
09:15 - 09:30 KEYNOTE ADDRESS |Ms. Phumzile Mlambo-Ngcuka, Former Deputy President of the Republic of South Africa and current Chancellor of the University of Johannesburg
Cross-Continental Synergy: Uniting for Transformation
09:30 - 10:10 PANEL DISCUSSION| 25 Years of Women's Empowerment: Advancing Women as Catalysts for Transformation and Equality
Celebrating 25 years of progress in women's empowerment, this discussion centres on the pivotal role of women, especially black women, as key economic contributors in South African households The session will focus on integrating women more effectively into the B-BBEE and transformation agenda, examining policy enhancements to better support their crucial roles in driving economic and social change
Speakers:
● Phumzile Langeni, Independent Non-Executive Director, Nedbank
● Futhi Mtoba CA(SA), Co-Founder, TEACH South Africa, Co-Convenor, WECONA & Business Leader
10:10 - 10:25 CASE STUDY | Empowering Women Through Financial Freedom and Support
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Hosted by FASSET
access to funding, and supportive networks. By enhancing financial literacy and offering resources to female entrepreneurs, these programmes help women achieve economic independence, foster business growth, and contribute to overall community development.
Speaker: Ayanda Mafuleka, CEO, Financial Accounting Services Seta (FASSET)
10:25 - 10:50 RISE & GRIND | Coffee Break
10:50 - 11:30
Hosted by Sanlam
PANEL DISCUSSION|Unlocking Supply Chain Opportunities: Empowering Small and Microbusinesses to Access the Business Supply Chain
This panel discussion will focus on sharing creative pathways to drive access to markets for small and micro businesses in particular focussing on extracting value from the business supply chain It will outline what has worked, and learnings taken from institutionalising creative approaches to drive access to market utilising the broader cross corporate capabilities. The conversation will aim to provide actionable insights, learnings and impact achieved.
Moderator: Ray-Ann Sedres, Chief Transformation Officer, Sanlam
Speakers:
● Keitumetse Lekaba, Managing Director, I Am An Entrepreneur (IAAE)
● Mbali Phewa, Head of Transformation, Santam
● Ravi Naidoo, CEO, Youth Employment Service (YES)
● Hapiloe Sello, CEO, SANParks
11:30 - 12:05 PANEL DISCUSSION |Transformation that Transcends Legislation: Achieving Authentic Transformation Beyond High B-BBEE Levels
This session addresses the critical issue where companies with top B-BBEE ratings confront a stark contrast between theoretical empowerment and actual transformational progress It will explore strategies to ensure that high B-BBEE scores truly represent meaningful change, rather than just legal compliance Panellists will discuss how to bridge this gap, providing insights for companies to genuinely embody the spirit of transformation that B-BBEE intends
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Speakers:
● Linda Makalima, Independent Non-Executive Director, Nedbank
● Prof. Bonang Mohale, Chancellor, University of the Free State, Professor of Practice, Johannesburg Business School (JBS) & Chairman, Bidvest Group Limited and World Economic Forum
● Dr. Sibongile Vilakazi, CEO, Ntsikelelo Business Solutions
Business as a Catalyst: Fostering Economic and Social Reconciliation
12:05 - 12:30 FIRESIDE CHAT | Economic Empowerment for the LGBTQI+ Community in Africa
This panel will explore multifaceted approaches to enhancing economic opportunities for LGBTQI+ individuals across Africa Given the backdrop of widespread discrimination and legal challenges, the discussion will delve into innovative strategies aimed at fostering an inclusive economic environment. Key areas of focus include overcoming employment discrimination through policy and advocacy, supporting LGBTQI+ entrepreneurship with resources and networks, and leveraging the digital economy to create new opportunities for marginalised communities.
Speakers:
● Neville Gabriel, CEO, The Other Foundation
● Revel Harris, Managing Director, Modern Community Foundation
● Thandiwe Vilakazi, Chairperson, Nedbank LGBTQI+ Forum
12:30 - 12:35
12:35 - 13:10
Hosted by Merchants
KEYNOTE ADDRESS |Zain Patel, Managing Director, Merchants
PANEL DISCUSSION | Eco-Minded Innovators: Engaging Youth in Sustainable Skills Development
As the world faces increasing environmental challenges, there is a growing need to equip the next generation with the skills and knowledge to tackle these issues head-on. By equipping youth with green skills, we can foster a generation of
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environmentally conscious and technologically adept individuals ready to lead the charge toward a sustainable future, through developing essential skills for youth to thrive in a sustainable world, mentorship and support networks for young sustainable leaders and youth led initiatives and projects.
● Sydwell Shikweni, Vice President Transformation, Merchants
● Hana Yoshimoto, Education Chief, UNICEF South Africa
● Thembiso Magajana, CEO, Social Coding SA
13:10 - 14:00 LUNCH BREAK
14:00 - 14:25 FIRESIDE CHAT |Creating Brand Strategies that Support a National Agenda: A Dialogue with Khensani Nobanda and Pepe Marais
Speakers:
● Khensani Nobanda, Group Executive: Group Marketing and Corporate Affairs, Nedbank
● Pepe Marais, Founding Partner and Group Chief Creative Officer of Brand and Communications Group, Joe Public United
14:25 - 14:30 KEYNOTE ADDRESS |Kirsty Phaal, Senior Vice President Human Resources, NTT DATA
14:30 - 15:05
Hosted by NTT Data
PANEL DISCUSSION |Digital Transformation: Empowering Youth Through Inclusive Innovation
As a tech pioneer with a strong presence in Africa, NTT Data is well-positioned to play a pivotal role in driving inclusive digital transformation across the continent. By aligning its expertise and offerings with the conference theme of "RISE
AFRICA: Navigating the Path of Inclusive Transformation," NTT Data together with Ravi Naidoo CEO of the YES 4Youth explore how businesses in Africa can leverage emerging technologies like AI, data analytics, and new learning and development opportunities to support the region's development.
Speakers:
● Ravi Naidoo, CEO, Youth Employment Service (YES)
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● Natalie Musonda, Director: Diversity, Inclusion and Sustainability, NTT DATA
● Amanda Daly, Senior Director: Careers & Development, NTT DATA MEA
● Chris Wiggett, Director: Data & Analytics, NTT DATA MEA
15:05 - 15:25 FIRESIDE CHAT | Digital Transformation: How New Technology Can Empower Black-Owned Businesses
Speaker: Ray Naicker, Group Chief Information Officer, Nedbank
15:25 - 15:45 NEDBANK KEYNOTE ADDRESS |Jason Quinn, Chief Executive, Nedbank
15:45 - 16:00 Moderators Closing Remarks: Leanne Manas, Award winning South African radio presenter and television broadcaster, Host of Morning Live
Conclusion : Day 1
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DAY 2 | 18 JULY 2024
Africa Rising: Navigating the Path of Inclusive 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 - 09:30 NEDBANK KEYNOTE ADDRESS| Khensani Nobanda, Group Executive: Group Marketing and Corporate Affairs, Nedbank
09:30 - 09:45 KEYNOTE ADDRESS | Celebrating 30 Years of Democracy
Speaker: Dr. Mathews Phosa, Celebrated SA Leader, Prominent Business Man and Attorney
09:45 - 10:30 PANEL DISCUSSION | CELEBRATING THE SPIRIT OF MANDELA
Mandela Day stands as a powerful call to action, urging us to confront the lingering disparities and inequities passed down from history. By bringing together individuals, organisations, and communities, Mandela Day acts as a catalyst for collaborative action aimed at tackling socio-economic challenges. This discussion will delve into the importance of moving beyond one-time charity events towards sustainable initiatives that uplift communities and promote economic inclusion. Panellists will share best practices and innovative approaches to drive sustainable transformation that benefits both communities and businesses alike.
Speakers:
● Dr. Imtiaz Sooliman, Chairman & Founder, Gift of the Givers
● Shameela Soobramoney, CEO, National Business Initiative (NBI)
● Dr. Mathews Phosa, Celebrated SA Leader, Prominent Business Man and Attorney
10:30 - 11:00 RISE & GRIND | Coffee Break
11:00 - 11:20 A NEDBANK CASE STUDY | Diversity and A Culture of Belonging
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Kershini Govender, Executive Head: Transformation & Strategy, Nedbank
11:20 - 11:35
Hosted by Sanofi CASE STUDY |Diversity, Equity and Inclusion in the Healthcare Sector: A Multinational Perspective
Sanofi’s diversity, equity, and inclusion (DE&I) strategies are designed to create a more inclusive and equitable environment within the company, healthcare society, and broader community These strategies can significantly support the inclusive transformation in the healthcare sector in several ways: building representative leadership, implementing enterprise and supplier diversity programs, enhancing skills capacity, and making economic contributions through investment Sanofi’s DE&I strategies provide a framework for creating a more inclusive and equitable healthcare system By adopting similar practices, the industry can contribute to transforming the South African healthcare landscape
Speaker: Prudence Selani, External Affairs Head, Sanofi
11:35 - 12:15 PANEL DISCUSSION |Beyond Borders: Pan-African Collaboration for Economic Empowerment
This discussion will be assessing the effectiveness of regional collaborations in advancing economic empowerment goals It will further explore successful case studies of cross-border partnerships and evaluate the African Union's initiatives and their tangible impact on economic transformation
Speakers:
● Lavina Ramkissoon, Advisor to African Union and Ministers of ICT & Founder of hu da ta
● Martha Murorua, Managing Director, Nedbank Namibia
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12:15 - 12:55
Hosted by Sanofi
PANEL DISCUSSION |Inclusive Transformation in Pharma: Bridging Gaps through Technology and Multinational Collaboration
The pharmaceutical industry in South Africa is at a pivotal moment, with significant opportunities to enhance local manufacturing capabilities and improve access to essential medicines Delve into the future of pharma in South Africa and pathways to a more inclusive and innovative healthcare landscape by exploring the transformative potential of capacity building through technology and the crucial contributions of multinational companies to South Africa’s transformation agenda
Speakers:
● Mbali Tshabalala, BBBEE Transformation Manager, Sanofi
● Gary Joseph, CEO, South African Supplier Diversity Council (SASDC)
● Livhu Mukhithi, Director: Broad-Based Black Economic Empowerment: Policy, Institutional Management and Advocacy, Department of Trade, Industry and Competition
● Prudence Selani, External Affairs Head, Sanofi
12:55 - 13:10
Hosted by SE Holdings CASE STUDY | Empowering Youth through Agripreneurship: Success Stories from Rural Areas
Delve into the transformative impact of agripreneurship on youth empowerment in rural areas Gain insights into the strategies and support systems that have enabled young agripreneurs to overcome challenges and thrive in their ventures, inspiring a new generation to explore opportunities in the agricultural sector
Speaker: Mpumi Maesela, CEO, SE Holdings
13:10 - 14:00 LUNCH BREAK
Empowering Youth in Business: Strategies for Equitable Transformation
14:00 - 14:40 PANEL DISCUSSION | Addressing Gender Bias in Organisational Systems and Processes
Despite advances in gender equality, unconscious biases often persist, affecting hiring practices, performance evaluations, promotions, and everyday workplace interactions
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Learn to identify and address these biases by auditing and redesigning organisational processes to ensure fairness and inclusivity.
Speakers:
● Genevieve Coward, Marketing and Revenue Growth Executive, Primedia Out of Home
● Mmabatho Mongae, DatavAnalyst, Good Governance Africa
● Masechaba Tekana, Senior Principal – Leadership Development and DE&I Practice, EMEA, Korn Ferry
● Andee Uren, Executive Head: Workforce Planning, Optimisation & Engagement, Nedbank
14:40 - 15:10 PANEL DISCUSSION | Decoding the B-BBEE Scorecard: Practical Steps for Improvement
Unpack each element of the B-BBEE scorecard, offering practical advice for businesses aiming to improve their scores
Moderator: Stanley Grau, Board Member and Technical Director, Association of B-BBEE Professionals & Managing Director, MSCT BEE Services
Speakers:
● Yuneal Padayachy, Chief Support Officer, BEE Chamber
● Yolandi Venter, Board Member and Training and Professionalisation Director, Association of B-BBEE Professionals & CEO of the B4i Economic Empowerment Division, within The B4i Project
● Rachel Malatji, Executive Manager: Compliance, B-BBEE Commission
● Nobandla Gobodo, Managing Director, SANGE SA
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15:10 - 15:40 PANEL DISCUSSION | Cracking the Code: Navigating the Funding Evaluation Process for Black Entrepreneurs
Gain insights into decoding the funding evaluation process for black entrepreneurs, and uncovering the criteria and considerations used by some organisations. Practical tips will be shared to help applicants stand out from the competition and to optimise their chances on securing funding.
Speakers:
● Buhlebokukholwa Sibanyoni, Founder & Managing Director, Azanyah Trade Hub and Chairperson, SMME Chamber of Commerce
● Mziwabantu Dayimani, Acting CEO, National Empowerment Fund
● Hiten Keshave, CEO, Unconventional CA
15:40 - 16:00 ORGANISER CLOSING ADDRESS | Senior Representative, Topco Media
16:00 - 16:15 Moderators Closing Remarks: Leanne Manas, Awards winning South African radio presenter and television broadcaster, Host of Morning Live
Conclusion : Day 2