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Future of Sustainability
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Future of Sustainability
FutureofSustai1
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 experts with a common mission to connect we inspire business to take actionable steps towards implementing green, sustainable and ethically-sound strategies to mobilise Africa towards a zero-carbon emission, waste-free, fully sustainable, smart continent.
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.
With a rapidly changing world, the ‘here and now’ demands our full attention in order to futureproof business in Africa. Sustainability is no longer a buzzword; it’s a cultural shift that is reshaping industries and rewriting the rules of business all around the globe. Companies embracing profit enabled impact principles are leading the charge, not just as advocates, but as pioneers who are setting new standards for responsible, transparent, and impactful business practices. Together, we’re laying the foundation for a future where sustainability isn’t just a goal; it’s the driving force behind every decision. Welcome to #FOS2025!
Old Mutual Insure, our bronze partners Nestlé, Nespresso, Dell Technologies/ Intel and Isanti Glass, and showcase partner AECI. I would also like to thank our strategic partners UN Global Compact South Africa, Primedia Out of Home, Greencape, Carbon Trust, Channel Africa and Mail & Guardian.
The future is fast approaching, and in order to not feel hopeless we need to remember that it’s in our hands. Don’t let GenAI, climate-tech breakthroughs, and transformative policies leave you behind. We present to you an unforgettable experience where innovation, excitement, and meaningful connections will collide to shape a brighter, greener future - one that helps build your African centric strategy.
Right here, over the next 2 days, is your chance to take the lead in this global movement and guide your business toward a future that is not only sustainable but truly inspiring. Our mission has always been clear: to foster sustainable, transparent, and ethical business practices that will make a lasting difference. With top-notch speakers who are experts in their fields, and top companies who are mastering ESG, this is the right platform to make new meaningful connections.
Your participation goes beyond just a business investment; it’s a commitment to the ethical, environmental, and forward-thinking principles that are shaping the future of engagement and business value. Together, we can take action to Future-Proof African Business and ensure that we are all equipped to thrive in the face of climate change, emerging technologies, and disruptive policies. I extend my deepest gratitude to our gold partner, HEINEKEN Beverages South Africa, for their commitment to ESG. A special thank you to our premium digital partner iME, our silver partner
I invite you to join the mission to do what’s right and co-create the future with us. I’m eager to see you at the conference and look forward to the collective impact we’ll make together to deliver business value.
Thank you for joining us.
Best Regards, CEO, Topco Media
7 FEBRUARY 2025 - 20 MARCH 2025
BIZCOMMUNITY
https://www.bizcommunity.com/article/the-future-of-sustainabilityconference-2025-the-countdown-begins-032835a
RADIO PULPIT:
https://iono.fm/e/1542122
https://iono.fm/e/1542116
South Africa contributes more than a third of thetotal energy-related carbon dioxide (CO2)emissions on the African continent. Over 80% ofSouth Africa's electricity is generated from coal-fired power stations, mainly operated by Eskom,and our emissions intensity (CO 2 per unit of GDP)is among the highest in the world.
This is just one of the reasons that climate changemitigation strategies is an urgent and importantconversation, one that was given plenty of airtimeat the Future of Sustainability conference, held last week at Emperors Palace, Gauteng.
Good Governance Africa is a proud strategic partner of this annual conference, a platform for thought leaders, businesses, entrepreneurs, policymakers, and industry experts to connect and talk about actionable steps towards implementing green, sustainable, and ethically sound strategies to mobilise Africa towards a zero-carbon emission, waste-free, fully sustainable continent.
Speakers this year included the Deputy Minister of Electricity and Energy, Samantha Graham-Mare, who said the South African Renewable Energy
Masterplan (SAREM), adopted last year by the Government of National Unity, is well underway. SAREM is key to pushing forward the shift from coal-based power to solar and wind-generated energy, part of a joint World Bank and African Development Bank initiative known as Mission 300 to provide energy access to 300 million people on the African continent by 2030.
“It is already happening. Barriers to the entry of Independent Power Producers (IPPs) are being removed, and microgrids will help businesses produce their own power. We are also looking to have more solar panels and wind energy parts manufactured locally,” she said.
Graham-Mare added that localising the renewable energy supply chain was a “strategic necessity" and that partnerships with private sector enterprises are being sought to meet this goal. Renewable energy procurement guidelines would be drafted to ensure these partnerships and energy provision through localised micro-grids were stable, she said.
Circular economies – economies designed to minimise waste and maximise resource efficiency by keeping materials, products, and energy in use for as long as possible – were another strong theme at the conference.
In his address on the subject, Prof Neissan Besharati, research director of sustainability, ESG, impact, and circular economy at the Gordon Institute of Business Science, identified the meat industry as one of the more unsustainable industries, ie., it follows a linear model whereby resources (land, water, feed) are used to produce
meat, and waste (manure, emissions, byproducts) is often discarded or poorly managed.
“A cow is actually contributing more damaging emissions than your car... Then the meat is often exported to Europe, put on planes and shipments. It's processed in Europe, made into burgers, and sent back to our fast food outlets here. Throughout this process, there is refrigeration and transport. A lot of energy is used. And that makes you wonder, is that really necessary?” he said.
Expert speakers at the conference, representing several companies leading the charge in sustainable practices, explored various ways to create circular economies, from using biodigesters (a system that breaks down organic waste to produce biogas and fertiliser) and glass buy-back schemes to choosing sustainable materials in products and recycling initiatives.
This important annual calendar event speaks directly to our Natural Resource Governance and Climate Change programme, with the objective of working with others to ensure Africa's natural resources are a blessing for all, rather than a reason for conflict, environmental degradation, corruption, and insecurity.
WATCH STREAM
NUMBER OF PEOPLE ONLINE
840 DAY 1 VIEWERS
478 DAY 2 VIEWERS
What is something you've taken away from this event?
What is something you've taken away from this event?
“On behalf of Nestlé, I want to express our gratitude for the opportunity to participate in the Future of Sustainability Conference. It was an inspiring event that left a lasting impression on us.
The conference brought together diverse perspectives and innovative perspectives and fostered meaningful discussions on sustainability.
Thank you to Topco media for organising such a remarkable conference.”
“It was a pleasure partnering with TopCo for the Future of Sustainability Conference. The event brought together purposedriven voices and highlighted the urgent need for sustainable transformation across industries. At Nespresso, we believe every cup of coffee can be a force for good—and this platform gave us the opportunity to share that message while engaging with like-minded changemakers. A truly impactful experience that aligned perfectly with our mission.”
“The Future of Sustainability Conference reinforced the importance of collaboration in driving real change. Hearing from industry leaders and innovators provided fresh perspectives and the circular economy. I’m leaving with actionable insights and new connections that can help shape Isanti Glass’s sustainability journey.”
Heineken
AECI
A4Africa Ghana Limited
ABSA
AFROSAI-E
African Bank
African Data Centres
African Reclaimers
Organisation
Afrocentric Group
Afri in Transit (Pty) Ltd/ (AIT)
A Greener Earth (Pty) Ltd
AIT
ARPM
AVK Valves
Batsha IT SolutionsCc
Beaubon Group
Bloomberg
BP South Africa
Boston Consulting Group
British International
Investment plc
BW TechZone
Carbon Smart Solution
Africa
Capricorn Group
Channel Africa
Cipla
CKG International
Commerce Edge
Correlation Business
Advisory
Creative Simplicity
CSIR
Dell Technologies
Dell Technologies South Africa
Demisize
Department of Electricity & Energy
Department of Trade, Industry & Competion
Department of Trade, Industry and Competition
DG Biowaste service
Diageo South Africa
Dipula Income Fund
Durban University of Technology
EARTH NEWS365
eWasa
Elephants in Main Street
International
Ellipse Executive
Apartments
Elemental Architects
EmitIQ MRV
Empact Group
Enaex Africa (Pty) Ltd
Endress+Hauser (Pty) Ltd
Environmental Resource
Optimizers CC
ERANPC
Eskom Holdings SOC Ltd
Etsahale
FSCA
Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and
Climate Action
First Ai
Flashgrade
Godrej
Good Governance Africa
Good Governance Africa
NPC (SARO)
GreenCape
Grundfos
Harambee Youth
Employment Accelerator
HEINEKEN Beverages
Hemp-It South Africa
Hollard
Huruma Bantfu
IBIS Consulting
iCirc Solutions
iME
In2food
Ingenious Evolution
inl.
Invest International
Isanti Glass
Ivanplats Mine
ITWeb
K1 Recycling
KPMG
KPMG South Africa
KW Kreatives
LCollexionz
Lean Enterprise
Acceleration Programmes
Lenmed
LLOVO SUGAR (MALAWI) PLC
Mail and Guardian
Mediclinic
Menar
Merchants
Michelin Tyre Company SA
MiDesk Global
Moore ESG Jhb (Pty) Ltd
Moore Infinity
Motus Car Rental
Mpact
Naspers
NEPAD Business Foundation
NEPAD Business Foundation & Strategic Water Partners
Network
Nespresso
Nestle
NewForesight
NewForesight Consultancy
NTT DATA
NuWater
NxGN
Old Mutual Insure
Omnia Holdings Limited
One Percent Consulting
Open Access Data Centres
Petco Producer Responsibility Organisation
PIC
Pillay
PKF Octagon
Polyco PRO NPC
PPS
Primedia Out of Home
Private
Proxa South Africa (Pty) Ltd
Public and Environmental Economics Research Center, University of Johannesburg
Radio Pulpit
Raubex (Pty) Ltd
Reckitt
S-RM
SABMR (South African Bone Marrow Registry)
SABN
Safripol
Sandtech
Sasol
Scip Engineer Group (Pty)
Ltd
SE Holdings
Shared Value Africa
Shortlist Futures
SIVTEK Holdings Pty Ltd
Skhona
Skultcha
Skyside
Soapbox South Africa
Solid Green Consulting
South African Bank Note Company (SABN)
South Pole
Soweto TV
SPAR Group Ltd, The SusTRAINability
Development Global Tshepiso Branding
Tshikululu
Tshikululu Social Investments
Tuhf
Tourvest Holdings (pty) Ltd
TUSO Group
Tiger Brands Limited
Tech Daily Post Media Technoserve (GreenCape guests)
Technique Drillings Services (Pty)Ltd
Thabanathi Grandson
The Carbon Trust
The Glass Recycling Company
Umsizi Sustainable Social Solutions
UN Global Compact
Network South Africa
United Nations
Development Programme University of Johannesburg
V4 Group
Voice of Africa Global Media
VOWFM (VOICE OF WITS)
Warburton Attorneys
Warburton Attorneys Inc
Water Research Commission
WSP
WWF XLink
Y-Brand
Yellow Door Energy
Yellow Tree Environmental
Zoe-life Innovative Solutions
Group Energy Manager Director
R&D and Impact Manager
Stakeholder Engagement and CSI Manager
Impact and Evaluation Analyst
ESD Project Manager
Environmental Manager
Head of IT Governance, Risk and Compliance
Trainee Accountant
Graphic Designer
General Manager
Marketing Lead
Client Solutions Specialist
Specialist Sales ISG
Manager Technical Support Services
Product Support Specialist
Head Infrastructure, Optimisation and Placement
Head of Commercial
Sustainability Co-Ordinator
Corporate
Communications Manager
Sustainability Officer
Head of Content
Head of Legal Communications and Stakeholder Relations Manager
Senior Business
Development Executive
Transformation Specialist
Manager: Transformation
Intern: Transformation
Audit - Senior Manager Chairman
CEO
Quality Assurance Manager
Process & Sustainability Director
Sustainability ManagerSouthern Africa and Indian Ocean
Governance Manager
Environmental Specialist
Group Sustainability Executive
National Sustainability Manager
Socio-Economic & Transformation Executive Manager
Senior Analyst
Specialist Analyst
Group: Environmental & Sustainability Manager
ESG Manager
Sustainability Lead/Material
Planner
SHEQ Manager
Corporate Social Responsibility Manager
Sustainability Specialist
(African Bank)
GM: Risk and Sustainability
Head: Communications & Reputation
External Comms, PR &
Events Manager
Project Manager: Waste Comms Manager
Group Lead: PACS Data
Reporting & Disclosures
Group Head: Sustainability
Regional PACS ManagerGauteng
Regional PACS ManagerNorth Comms Specialist: Gauteng
National CSI Specialist
Managing Director
Senior Process Engineer: Sustainability
Principal Specialist
Sustainability
Process Engineer Energy
Efficiency and Environment
Lead Process Engineer
Energy Efficiency and Environment
Community Relations
Practitioner
Assistant Marketing Manager
Senior Business
Development Manager
Executive Manager
Commercialisation Manager
General Manager: Facilities
EHS Manager
Senior Manager: Facilities
IR Specialist
Senior Manager: Finance
Financial Manager
Group Financial Accountant
Climate Change and Sustainable Development Department
Executive: Quality, SHE and Technical
Manager: SHE
Chief Sustainability Officer
People & Sustainability Executive
Senior Manager Planning: Outbound and Inbound
ESG and CSR Manager
Research & Development Manager
Environmental Management Specialist
Talent Management and OD Lead
Tender and Pricing Manager
Chief Executive Officer
Mine Social Consulting Executive
Mine Social Consulting Manager
Managing Executive- Group Strategy and Sustainability Office
Internal Audit Manager: Sustainability Risk
General Manager: Recycling and Collections
Recycling Value Chain Analyst
Head of HR
Director Private Clients
Technical Services Success Manager
HOD: Green Certifications
Global Head of Sustainable Sourcing || Impact; Country Director, South Africa
Head - I&S Governance, Insights and Environment Impact and Sustainability Officer
Principal Consultant, Domain Lead Sustainable
Sourcing & Impact
South Africa Country Manager
Sustainability Consultant
Environmental Resource
Optimizers CC
Technical Director
Global Technology and Operations Manager
KZN Regional Manager
Transformation Manager
Founder & Social Impact Specialist
President
Project Developer
Legal and Compliance Officer
Environmental Policy Specialist
Senior Lecturer &
Programme Head: Postgraduate Studies
Business Development Representative
Head of Sustainability
Executive Manager: ESG
Client Solutions
Head of Social Impact
Regional Programme Manager & National
Secretary General Children Sector
Strategic Information, IT and Communications Manager
Principal Consultant: ESG
Marketing Manager
Business Support Expert Student
Senior Marketing Coordinator
Environmental Liability Manager
Environmental Compliance Manager
Marketing and Engagement Officer
Director: Diversity and Inclusion
Associate Specialist: Diversity and Inclusion
Associate
Project Support and Procurement Officer
Marketing & Communications Specialist
Senior Analyst
Head: Natural Resource Governance & Climate Change
Researcher: Natural Resource Governance & Climate Change Manager: Marketing & Events
Social Media Community Manager
Researcher: Security & Peace
Data Journalist & Researcher: Natural Resource Governance & Climate Change
GGA Writer
Marketing & Communications Officer
Strategy & Intelligence Head
Junior Data Analyst
Product Manager
Expert Analyst: Circular Economy - SA Plastics Pact
Nedbank Green Trust and Corporate Relations Manager
UNDP Accredited Trainer for the SDG Impact Standards
Programme Head: Governance Insights & Analytics
Air Quality Consultant
Corporate Affairs Director
Research Director: Sustainability, ESG, Impact, Circular Economy
Senior Researcher
Sustainability Manager
Executive Manager: Water Use and Waste Management
Senior Chemical Engineer
Co-Head Africa
Founder and CEO
Senior Social Investment Specialist
Associate Director: CoHead
Executive Director Vice President
Creative Director & Founder
Technical Manager
ESG Director
ESG Sector Expert-Circular Economy
Principal Sustainability
Reporting & Assurance
Consultant
Resident Representative
ESG Senior Manager
Head of NBS
implementation, Africa
Lead Process Engineer
Group Social Responsibility and Sustainability Impact Manager
Executive: Strategic Partnerships
Chief Technology Officer
Chief Impact Officer
Enterprise AI: Head of Software Engineering
Vice President
Transformation
Associate Director
Senior Associate: Demand, Jobs & Livelihoods
Country Manager: Finance
Senior Manager: Catastrophe and Climate
Change Modelling
Chief Risk & Sustainability Officer (CRSO)
Corporate Communication & Public Affairs Director
Managing Executive
Sales & Marketing Executive
Head: Emerging Opportunities Development & Incubation
B2C Marketing Specialist
Head GRC Operations and Sustainability
Principal Associate
Deputy Minister
Advisor to the Chief
Executive Officer
WATCH SESSIONS
They handed out hampers to winners of the quiz
They handed out hampers to winners of the quiz
VIEW GALLERY DAY 1
VIEW GALLERY DAY 2
VIEW GALLERY DAY 2
VIEW GALLERY DAY 2
Meet our sustainability leaders, innovators, & visionaries guiding us towards a greener tomorrow.
MS SAMANTHA GRAHAM-MARÉ
Deputy Minister of Electricity and Energy
MAXWELL GOMERA
UNDP Resident Representative and Director for the Africa Sustainable Finance Hub
MOLATELO MOTAU
Sustainability Manager, HEINEKEN Beverages
H.E. AMB. MARIEANTOINETTE ROSE-QUATRE
Chief Executive Officer, APRM Continental Secretariat
MILLICENT MAROGA
Corporate Affairs Director, HEINEKEN Beverages
Chief Technology Officer, iME
DR. ACHIENG OJWANG
Executive Director, UN Global Compact Network South Africa
CHARLES WYETH
Enterprise and Supplier Development Manager, HEINEKEN Beverages
CALVIN PHUME
Director: Africa Bilateral Economic Relations, Department of Trade, Industry & Competition
Lead Process Engineer, HEINEKEN Beverages
Executive: Strategic Partnerships, iME
Chief Risk & Sustainability Officer (CRSO), Old Mutual Insure
CAESAR BALONA
Senior Manager: Catastrophe and Climate Change Modelling, Old Mutual Insure
DOUG WOOLLEY
General Manager and Vice President, Dell Technologies South Africa
NICOLE SOLOMON
Group Social Responsibility and Sustainability Impact Manager, AECI
SAMIR RANDERA-REES
Nedbank Green Trust and Corporate Relations Manager, WWF
NTHEYE LUNGU
Head GRC Operations and Sustainability, Old Mutual Insure
RONEL CARA
Executive: Sales & Marketing, Isanti Glass
DR. SYDWELL SHIKWENI
Vice President Transformation, Merchants
CONNY SETHAELO
Corporate Communication & Public Affairs Director, Nestlé
PIETER DU PLESSIS
Chief Executive Officer, Isanti Glass
JARREDINE MORRIS
Associate Director: Co-Head, The Carbon Trust Africa
DR. LORREN HAYWOOD
Senior Researcher: Sustainability, Economics & Waste Research Group, CSIR
NATISHA SINGH
B2C Marketing Specialist, Nespresso South Africa
KAVITA PEMA
Group Vice President: Sustainability, ESG & EHS, AECI
LAWTON-MISRA
Associate Director: Co-Head, The Carbon Trust Africa
SHABEER JHETAM
Chief Executive Officer, The Glass Recycling Company
KABELO NCHOLO Founder and CEO, Y-Brand
JEFF DUNNINK
Head of NBS implementation, Africa, South Pole
TLATSETSO NTSEUOA
ESG Senior Manager, KPMG
TALITA BOODHRAM
Chief Impact Officer, MiDesk Global
KEVIN TRETHEWEY
Head of Software Engineering & Technology, Sand Technologies
VERUSHKA SINGH
Principal Associate, WSP
BILLY JAMES
Managing Executive, NuWater
DEAN MURUVEN
Associate Director, Boston Consulting Group
GRAEME WILKINSON
Senior Social Investment Specialist, Tshikululu Social Investments
KURT ROELANDT Director, Envision Advisory Services
JAY BHAGWAN
Executive Manager: Water Use and Waste Management, Water Research Commission
PROF. NEISSAN BESHARATI
Research Director: Sustainability, ESG, Impact, Circular Economy, GIBS Business School
DUNN
Senior Chemical Engineer, Yellow Tree Environmental
DR. AVASHNEE CHETTY Sustainability Manager, Safripol
RUBEN HAZELZET
Creative Director & Founder, Soapbox South Africa
LUYANDA HLATSHWAYO African Reclaimers Organisation
MAZIBUKO Chief Executive Officer, K1 Recycling
DR. SAYURI MOODLIAR ESG Director, Open Access Data Centres
EDMOND SHOKO-LEKHULENI Technical Manager, AFROSAI-E
CEO, NEPAD Business Foundation & Executive Secretary, Strategic
KHAN
Country Finance Manager, Yellow Door Energy & SAICA Carbon Tax Committee Member
OOSTHUIZEN
Principal Responsible Sourcing Lead, SLR Consulting
RISHEL DHARMAPALL ESG Sector Expert-Circular Economy, Africa Business Network
TIEKIE BARNARD Founder and CEO, Shared Value Africa & Shift Impact Africa
Our List of sponsors and partners driving sustainability forward with visionary support.
HEINEKEN GOLD PARTNER
NESPRESSO
BRONZE PARTNER
IME PREMIUM DIGITAL PARTNER
OLD MUTUAL SILVER PARTNER
DELL TECHNOLOGIES
BRONZE PARTNER
UN GLOBAL COMPACT
STRATEGIC PARTNER
NESTLÉ BRONZE PARTNER
ISANTI GLASS
BRONZE PARTNER
AECI SHOWCASE PARTNER
PRIMEDIA OUT OF HOME
STRATEGIC PARTNER
GGA STRATEGIC PARTNER
CARBON TRUST KNOWLEDGE PARTNER
MAIL & GUARDIAN MEDIA PARTNER
RADIO PULPIT MEDIA PARTNER
PROCTER & GAMBLE Lifestyle Partner
At AECI, our century-long pioneering spirit drives us to deliver sustainable solutions that make a meaningful impact. With a steadfast commitment to excellence, innovation, responsible business practices, we are dedicated to creating a lasting value for communities, customers and the environment in which we operate. As a future-focused business, we recognise the need to balance long-term business sustainability with environmental stewardship, financial growth and social responsibility underpinned by our purpose, “We Are One AECI, for a Better World”.
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 Net Zero
6 7 12 13 CLEAN WATER AND SANITATION AFFORDABLE AND CLEAN ENERGY RESPONSIBLE CONSUMPTION & PRODUCTION CLIMATE ACTION
Path to an inclusive, fair and equitable world Path to moderation and no harmful use
5 8 3 12 GENDER EQUALITY DECENT WORK AND ECONOMIC GROWTH GOOD HEALTH AND WELL-BEING RESPONSIBLE CONSUMPTION & PRODUCTION
We’ve observed a surge in weather-related claims, with large catastrophe claims increasing from 6 to 36 per decade.
