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Future of Sustainability
esg_future_of_sustainability
Future of Sustainability
FutureofSustai1
With a rapidly changing world, the “here and now” demands our full attention as we work to future-proof business in Africa. Sustainability is no longer a buzzword; it is a cultural shift reshaping industries and redefining the rules of business across the globe.
Companies embracing profit-enabled impact principles are leading the charge not only as advocates, but as pioneers setting new standards for responsible, transparent, and impactful business practices. Together, we are laying the foundation for a future where sustainability is not just a goal, but the driving force behind every decision. Welcome to the Future of Sustainability Conference 2026. Over the next two days, you have the opportunity to lead in this global movement and guide your organisation toward a future that is not only sustainable, but truly inspiring. Our mission remains clear: to foster sustainable, transparent, and ethical business practices that create lasting impact. With world-class speakers and leading organisations advancing ESG principles, this platform is designed to spark meaningful dialogue and enable powerful connections.
Your participation goes beyond business, it represents a commitment to the ethical, environmental, and forward-thinking principles shaping the future of value creation. Together, we can take decisive action to future-proof African business and ensure resilience in the face of climate change, emerging technologies, and evolving regulatory landscapes.
I would like to extend my sincere gratitude to our valued partners who make this platform possible. A special thank you to our Gold Partner, Heineken Beverages South Africa, for their continued commitment to ESG leadership. We also acknowledge our Silver Sponsor, FNB, and our Bronze Sponsors: Mashudu Tinyiko Consulting, Solar Energy Africa, and Nestlé for their support.
We are proud to recognise Isanti Glass as our Exhibition Partner, and to thank our Showcase
Colours, and LEAP for contributing to the innovation and practical solutions showcased at this year’s conference.
The future is fast approaching, and rather than feeling overwhelmed, we must remember that it is in our hands. From GenAI to climate-tech breakthroughs and transformative policies, the pace of change is accelerating. This conference is designed to ensure you are not only prepared but positioned to lead. We present an unforgettable experience where innovation, collaboration, and purpose converge to shape a brighter, more sustainable future, one that strengthens your Africa-centric strategy and drives meaningful business value.
I invite you to join us in doing what is right, to co-create the future, and to be part of a collective effort that will define the next era of sustainable growth.
I look forward to welcoming you and to the impact we will create together.
Best Regards, CEO, Topco Media
ABOUT THE
Welcome to the Future of Sustainability!
Founded in 2011, our initiative emerged when Topco Media and the UN partnered to produce the official publication for COP17 – the UN Climate Change Conference. This pivotal moment laid the groundwork for the Future of Sustainability Conference, where we continue to explore innovative solutions for a sustainable future.
By providing a platform for thought leaders, businesses, entrepreneurs, policy makers, and industry expertsall with a common mission to connect - we inspire business to take actionable steps towards implementing green, sustainable and ethically-sound strategies. This mobilises Africa towards becoming a zero-carbon emission, waste-free, fully sustainable, smart continent.
Our Mission:
At the Future of Sustainability our heart is to unite policy makers, corporates, academics, and grassrootsorganisations in a vibrant dialogue around collaboration for Africa’s sustainable future.
No sugarcoating the challenges we face - we embrace African reality and its monumental opportunity - and from there we take action towards Future-Proofing African Business. Ready to become Future-Proof? Join us and explore how your participation can shape a better tomorrow! Together, we can create a brighter, greener, and more sustainable future for Africa.
Your journey to sustainability starts here
Helping businesses on their sustainability journey with expert-led advice
FNB and WesBank offer solutions to help your business participate in and enable the transition to become more sustainable.
Our team of specialists provides tailored solutions to manage your energy, water, New Energy Vehicles (NEVs) Green Building Certification, agriculture and climate-related needs for long-term success.
Access expert insights from our sustainability team to help you navigate these complex and evolving markets.
Explore FNB Business
Help Changes Everything
YOUR GARDEN
IN BLOOM WITH GROWING PAPER
100% RECYCLED, PLANTABLE & BIODEGRADABLE HANDMADE SEED PAPER PRODUCTS
Growing Paper’s Flower Mix is like a botanical party in your backyard - bursting with colour, fragrance, and pollinator magic.
The joyful blend embeded into your personalised nametag features the honey-sweet scent of Alyssum, a ground-hugging charmer that carpets your garden in tiny white and purple blooms. Snapdragons bring the drama with their tall, dragon-mouthed flowers in fiery shades - kids (and bees) love them. Dianthus, also known as “pinks,” add a spicy clove fragrance and frilly petals that look like they’ve been snipped with pinking shears. Virginian Stock is the unsung hero of the mix, blooming early with clusters of pastel flowers and a scent that’s pure springtime.
Then there’s Vygies, South Africa’s own sunshine superstars, flashing neon petals that open wide in the sun. Gypsophila (baby’s breath) softens the scene with airy clouds of white, while Poppies bring bold, silky petals that dance in the breeze like living confetti.
Together, they create a blooming wonderland that’s as easy to grow as it is to love - perfect for gifting, greening up your space, or giving bees and butterflies a reason to stick around. Just add sunshine and a little water, and let the magic unfold.
Scan the QR code on this page to learn more about where and when these gorgeous flowers thrive. For instructions on how to plant your nametag, see the QR code on the tag.
Poppy
Virginian stock Snapdragon
Dianthus
Vygies
Alyssum baby’s breath
IN NUMBERS
SPONSORS/PARTNERS
GROUNDBREAKING
DISCUSSIONS
Come, listen and gain actionable insights from our expert speakers as they join in ground-breaking *discussions around the leading questions keeping CEO’s up at night. Some #FOS topics include:
Artificial Intelligence for Inclusive Growth and the SDGs
AI accelerates Africa’s SDGs across sectors with equitable, scalable solutions.
Rebuilding Trust Through Coherent Environmental Governance
Director Sustainability Advisory, Pan-African Financing for Development Institute (PAFDI)
National Spokesperson, National Executive Economic Collective (NEXEC)
Collections and Training Manager, Petco
NTOMBIZANELE MAKOKO
THABISILE PHUMO
TLOU SEBOLA
SOLAMI BUTHELEZI
Lead, Grower Program Pre and Post Investment, Land and Agricultural Development Bank of South Africa
Group ESG Manager, Dis-Chem
Chief Economist and Group Executive, Strategy & Sustainability, Development Bank of Southern Africa
TSHEGO SELEPE
ZAMA PILA
ZEPH NHLEKO
MOMENTS THAT MATTERED
Channel Africa:
Bizcommunity: 9 placements x 1 815 per release (excl. VAT) = R18 785.25
As South Africa navigates a decisive decade for climate resilience, resource management, and sustainable development, government leadership will play a pivotal role
Two De puty M iniste rs from the South African Gov e rnme nt will deliver ministerial addresses at the Future of Sustainability Conference 2026 that offer practical insights into e nv ironme ntal gov e rnance and wate r re silie nce , critical are as for organisations nav igating climate , re source , and ESG prioritie s
t ticke ts Vie w the draft age nda Depu ty Min ister Addr ess with Nar en d Sin gh , Depar tmen t of For estr y, Fish er ies an d th e En vir on men t
South Africa has strong environmental policies yet implementation often falters due to fragmented governance and unclear mandates This adress will explore how stre ngthe ning institutional cohe re nce , accountability, and capacity can accelerate progress across forestry, fisheries, and biodiversity while restor ing public confidence in environmental governance
Depu ty Min ister Addr ess with David Mah lob o, Depar tmen t of W ater an d San itation
Partnerships for Progress: Local, National and Global Collaboration in Water Management
Wate r se curity is one of South Africa’s most urge nt challe nge s This session will examine how partnerships across government, industry, and international programmes such as the Blue Deal are driving practical solutions to strengthen water re silience and sustainability
Together these Deputy Ministers' addresses provide critical insights into how policy direction, institutional capacity, and cross-sector collaboration can shape South Africa’s sustainability agenda in the years ahead
Need help with registration or an invoice to pay via EFT? Reply to this email/contact me at tamrynle ighg@future ofsustainability co za
To confirm me dia atte ndance contact Thabiso Mohlabe ng via thabiso mohlabe ng@future ofsustainability co za
Come to Make Deals, Not Just Connections
Hello ESG Champ,
This isn't just another event on the calendar It is a convergence of Private Sector Leaders Public Officials Academia and Sustainability Thought Leaders
The real value of this conference isn't just in the sessions, it's in the hallway conversations the coffee breaks and the dedicated networking zones This is where partnerships are born
Th e ROI Re ality Che ck:
Don't just take our word for it Consider this:
At one of our previous sustainability conferences one attendee paid the full price of R5800 ex VAT and service fee They networked strategically throughout the event By the end of the week, they had secured a partnership deal worth over R1 million
They returned to their company
Don't
Need
Hello ESG Champ,
Plan for FY26/27 success with sustainability insights and strategies
Hi ESG Champ,
Are your s us tainability targets ready for Financial Year 26/27?
The Future of Sus tainability Conference 2026 (24–25 March) is des igned to give you practical strategies, actionable insights, and meaningful connections that help your organis ation meet ESG goals while s taying ahead in your FY26/27 planning
Here are s ome s es s ions that we think will be particularly valuable for planning your nex t financial year:
Workshop: Finance Growth and Enable Sustainability For Your Business with FNB & WesBank
Disc over integrated sustainability solutions and prac tic al strategies to em bed sustainability into your business operations, unloc k growth opportunities, and drive long-term value
Panel Discussion: Navigating the C arbon C urve: Strategies for Managing Rising C arbon C osts with Zeph Nhleko (DBSA), Jarredine Morris (Carbon Trust Africa), Shaun Slabber (Crunch Carbon)
Learn ac tionable ways to reduc e em issions, turn regulatory requirem ents into a c om petitive advantage, and build resilienc e in FY26/27
Panel Discussion: Making C ommitments C ount: Tools for C redible ESG and Transformation Outcomes with Zam a Pila (Dis- Chem ), Mpho McNam ee (Telkom ), Melaney Oldenhof (B Lab Africa)
Gain insights on em bedding ac c ountability, aligning KPI s with ESG goals, and turning intentions into m easurable im pac t for the new financ ial year
Secure your spot now and enter FY26/27 with a clear, actionable sustainability roadmap.
Need a hand with registration? Reply to this email or contact us at marketing@futureofs us tainability co z a - we’re happy to help
Can't attend in- pers on? Acces s all of the online s es s ion by joining our lives tream here:
Hello ESG Champ,
Thank you for being part of the 2026 Future of Sustainability Conference! It was incredible to share these important conversations and innovations with you
Relive the Moments We captured some great highlights from the event You can view and download your photos below (Note: if you cannot access links via work email, kindly request your Topco service person to share the link privat ely with you)
Share the Impact Loved the event? Please post your favourite moments and tag us!
Let's amplify the message using: #FOS2026 #FutureofSustainability #TopcoMedia
Your Feedback Matters Could you spare a minute to help us improve? Please fill out our brief feedback survey:
Thanks again for contributing to a sustainable future We hope to see you next year!
For most plastic applications, the only way to get biodegradability
Easy to implement: Use existing converters No change to product design or functionality No change in shelf life of packaging or product
Not an oxo-degradable
EcoPure® is a revolutionary organic plastic additive that signi cantly increases the biodegradation rate of plastics and plastic products. Biodegradation rates of EcoPure®-treated plastic materials measured according to the ASTM D5511 test method. Tests are generally conducted using 20% to 30% solids content; solids content in naturally wetter land lls range from 55% to 65% while the driest land lls may reach 93%. Actual biodegradation* rates will vary in biologically-active land lls according to the type of plastic used, the product con guration, and the solid content, temperature and moisture levels of the land ll.
RE-ENGINEERING TOMORROW
Why the Future of Sustainability is Made of Glass
We know that the materials we choose today will shape the world we leave for tomorrow. As a proudly South African glass manufacturer, our approach is grounded in three principles: circularity, accountability and measurable impact — delivered through a material that is 100% natural and infinitely recyclable.
Glass is one of the few packaging materials that can be recycled endlessly without any loss of quality, purity, or performance. A bottle produced today can become a new bottle tomorrow — and again after that. This is not a future aspiration; it is circular design in action. But sustainability is not defined by material alone. It is proven in how that material is produced.
Sustainability is embedded in how we manufacture, how we manage energy, and how we meet environmental standards — every day. Our energy e ciency improvements are independently verified by SANEDI under Section 12L, a South African tax incentive that recognises and rewards companies for measurable energy savings. This provides credible, third-party confirmation that our operations are becoming more energy e cient over time. In parallel, our manufacturing processes comply with stringent environmental requirements, including our Air Emissions Licence, ensuring alignment with national air quality and environmental protection standards.
This is how sustainability moves beyond philosophy and
becomes operational — measured, verified, and continuously improved. Our responsibility extends beyond the factory floor.
We work closely with collectors, buy-back centres, and community partners across South Africa to strengthen the recycling ecosystem. By enabling used glass to return to the production cycle, we support not only circularity, but also job creation and local economic participation.
This integrated approach — from production to recovery — ensures that sustainability is not isolated, but systemic.
For our customers, this delivers more than compliance.
Glass protects what is inside without chemical interaction, while reinforcing brand quality through clarity, purity, and premium perception. In a market where consumers expect both performance and accountability, glass remains the benchmark.
When you choose Isanti Glass, you choose:
Local manufacturing that strengthens domestic supply chains.
Proven, verified improvements in energy e ciency. Full compliance with environmental standards. A partner committed to advancing sustainable manufacturing.
We believe environmental responsibility and economic growth must move together — supporting communities, developing talent, and driving inclusive industrial progress.
Partner with us and shape a sustainable tomorrow. Visit www.isantiglass.com today.
BREW A BETTER WORLD
Raise the bar 2030
Through our Brewing A Better World agenda HEINEKEN Beverages is committed to ensuring that our emissions and targets for this Decade of Action are in line with the benchmarks set by the UN Global Compact. We are determined to contributed to the UNSDGs to protect the planet, ensure prosperity and end poverty for all.
Path to moderation and no harmful use
3 GOOD HEALTH AND WELL-BEING
Path to zero impact
Path to an inclusive, fair and equitable world
5 8 GENDER EQUALITY DECENT WORK AND ECONOMIC GROWTH
10 REDUCED INEQUALITIES
6 7 12 13 CLEAN WATER AND SANITATION AFFORDABLE AND CLEAN ENERGY RESPONSIBLE CONSUMPTION & PRODUCTION CLIMATE ACTION
Keeping our members’ packaging in the economy and out of landfill.
With over 20 years of experience in the collection and recycling value chain, Petco is a leading Producer Responsibility Organisation (PRO) with a proven and audited track record.
We administer Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) schemes for PET plastic bottles, jars, and Liquid Board Packaging (LBP) cartons on behalf of our members, which include some of South Africa’s leading brands.
To become a member of Petco or partner with us, contact Junaid Francis, Stakeholder Relations Manager, at junaid.francis@petco.co.za
