FROM INSIGHT TO ACTION AND BEYOND THE BOARDROOMS:

Transforming Corporate Governance for a Sustainable Future

By Peter Kinuthia Murimi

Against the lush backdrop of the Phakalane Golf Estate Hotel & Convention Centre in Botswana, the Corporate Governance Conference unfolded on October 26th and 27th, 2023. Orchestrated by the Wise Leadership Corporate Governance Consultancy, led by the accomplished Managing Director, Mpho Moletlo Kgosietsile (FCG), who also stands as the visionary founder of the Responsible Citizen Magazine, this event transcended traditional boundaries. It was not just a gathering; it was a symphony of transformative ideas, a confluence of industry leaders, experts, and innovators, converging to redefine the very essence of corporate governance.

Themed "Transforming the Corporate Governance landscape: Key trends and emerging issues," the conference served as an intellectual crucible where responsible business practices, ethical leadership, and governance excellence became more than buzzwords— they became the focal points of an inspiring dialogue. Mr Sipho Showa, a beacon of leadership, not only directed the proceedings as a Governance and Communications Practitioner, but also graced the event as the moderator, steering conversations towards actionable insights.

As the Leadership Summit unfolded, it transcended a mere gathering, evolving into a dynamic space where local business visionaries intermingled with international thought leaders. The conference was not just about learning and networking; it was a commitment to shape the future of corporate governance collectively. It stood as a pivotal moment, bolstering the capacity of the corporate sector to realize sustainability goals, especially in the era of Environmental Social Governance (ESG) prominence. The stage was set, not just for discussions but for a collective pledge to transform the corporate governance landscape—one trend, one insight, and one ethical decision at a time.

Sustainable Governance Symphony With The

CAPTAINS OF CHANGE: THE CRESCENDO OF EXPERT INSIGHTS

Sibani Mngomezulu, the seasoned Director of Luvivi Corporate Governance, brought a wealth of global investment banking, mergers & acquisitions, and operational management expertise to the stage, underscoring the imperative of a holistic governance approach. Duncan Majinda, a distinguished expert in Finance and Organizational Management, graced the conference with 16 years of firsthand experience and an MBA in Finance, weaving financial acumen seamlessly into the fabric of sustainable governance.

Carolynn Chalmers, the esteemed CEO of the Good Governance Academy, The ESG Exchange, and Chapter Zero Southern Africa, emerged as a transformative leader in governance, technology, and systems thinking. With a remarkable 20-year journey, Lesego Bannalotlhe, the exceptional Managing Director of Turnquay Projects, illuminated the path in Corporate Governance, Compliance, and Operational Risk Management. Kusigani Mbambo, the esteemed Corporate Counsel & Company Secretary, brought a robust 23-year legal expertise to the conference, embodying the vital link between legal acumen and corporate governance finesse. Escher Luanda, a distinguished Namibian C-suite Governance and Ethics Strategist, and former President of the Namibia Institute of Corporate Governance, graced the conference with invaluable insights gleaned from his experiences in organizations like Air Namibia and the Namibian Retirement

Funds Institute.

Jonathon Hanks, the esteemed co-founder, and director of Incite, lent his 30-year history to the discussions, guiding the conversation on corporate responsibility, sustainable development, and ESG issues. Claude Jr. Kamangirira, an expert in Integrated Reporting, Corporate Governance, and Strategy, shared his wealth of knowledge garnered from working with listed entities, establishing himself as a trusted figure in the industry. Notably, Gary, the visionary founder of ITWinners, brought a global perspective with over four decades of experience in technology and education. Together, these luminaries formed a constellation of thought leadership, enriching the Corporate Governance Conference with insights, expertise, and a collective commitment to steering corporate governance towards sustainability.

ECHOES OF IMPLEMENTATION: DAY 1'S RESONANCE IN SHAPING BOTSWANA'S GOVERNANCE HORIZON

Day 1 of the Corporate Governance Conference focused on implementation led by the distinguished Guest Speaker, Mr. Duncan Majinda, Advisor at the Botswana Accountancy Oversight Authority (BAOA). The day commenced with a profound exploration of the mandate and objectives of BAOA in the realm of Corporate Governance implementation. Participants delved deep into the nuances of the BAOA's mission, seeking to decipher how its objectives align with the broader goal of fostering sustainable corporate governance practices.

The dialogue then pivoted to a crucial examination of the challenges faced during implementation in the market. Mr. Duncan Majinda, drawing on his extensive experience in Finance and Organizational Management, provided invaluable insights into the intricacies of translating governance principles into real-world application. The conference participants grappled with the feedback on implementation challenges, forging a collective understanding of the hurdles that must be overcome to build a robust corporate governance framework. The spotlight then shifted to Public Interest Entities, unraveling the challenges they face as identified by BAOA. The conference became a crucible of shared experiences, as participants provided feedback on reviews already conducted, opening the floor for discussions on effective remedies. It was a holistic exploration of the corporate landscape, emphasizing not just the challenges but the collaborative solutions that pave the way for a more resilient governance structure.

In the latter part of the session, the confer- ence turned its gaze toward the future, exploring the objectives and plans of BAOA in continuing to establish a conducive corporate governance environment for Botswana. The vision extended beyond national boundaries, with a commitment to enabling Botswana to compete effectively on the global business platform. Day 1, under the guidance of Mr. Duncan Majinda, set the tone for a conference that not only addressed the present challenges but charted a course toward a sustainable, globally competitive corporate governance landscape in Botswana.

BEYOND NUMBERS, AND FROM THEORY TO PRACTICE: DAY 2'S VISIONARY LEAP INTO INTEGRATED SUSTAINABILITY REPORTING

Day 2 of the Corporate Governance Conference was steered by the insightful leadership of Mr. Claude Kamangirira, a distinguished expert in Integrated Reporting, Corporate Governance, and Strategy hailing from South Africa. The session delved into the evolving landscape of reporting, with a spotlight on the triple context reporting, incorporating the critical dimensions of Environment, Societal, and Governance (ESG). The participants, with sustainability lenses on, engaged in discussions that underscored the integral role of these contexts in fostering a sustainable capital market system.

The stage was then graced by Mr. Jonathon Hanks, the Co-founder and Director of Incite, who led a comprehensive exploration of Global ESG/ Sustainability Reporting Standards. Attendees were treated to an overview of the latest developments in the realm of sustainability reporting, with a keen eye on their implications for businesses navigating the ever-evolving landscape of ESG. The conference then pivoted to a session on ISO 37000 Governance Standard, led by Ms. Carolynn Chalmers. As the CEO of the Good Governance Academy, The ESG Exchange, and Chapter Zero Southern Africa, her insights illuminated the path toward embracing governance standards that align with the principles of sustainability.

The final act of this symphony was an engaging session on Moderator Key Takeaways, where Ms. Mpho Kgosietsile served as the guide, exploring some of the lessons from the conference to the boardroom. This concluding session became a bridge between theory and practice, offering tangible insights that participants could carry from the conference room to the boardroom, ensuring that the lessons learned would shape the future of corporate governance and sustainability practices. The day not only delved into reporting intricacies but became a compass guiding businesses toward a future where sustainability reporting is not just a requirement but a strategic imperative for success in a rapidly changing world.