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South Africa’s best managed companies revealed in landmark 15th edition

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The 15th edition of Top500: South Africa’s Best Managed Companies is due to be released in the final quarter of 2025. This prestigious annual B2B publication features companies that are top of their game, and sector, presenting an opportunity for businesses to tell their success stories, and increase their exposure among peers, competitors and potential business partners. How do you define a top company? For our purposes, using criteria developed by UCT’s Development Policy Research Unit, we look at whether a business is large, growing, productive, empowered, engaged and quality driven. Through our dedicated research team, for a decade and a half, we have documented the excellence evident in South African businesses across a hundred sectors with the top five weighted and ranked – hence the magazine’s title. This year, in its quest to uncover South Africa’s Top 500 Best Managed Companies, Topco Media’s research department has uncovered some interesting facts about the South African economy: Real estate holdings and development The real estate holdings and development sector in South Africa showed resilience during the last financial year, with varied performance across segments. Companies focusing on high-demand areas like logistics, mixed-use residential developments, and green buildings achieved notable success through strategic planning and innovation. Despite challenges from rising interest rates, higher construction costs, and pressures on commercial office space, well-capitalised and agile firms delivered solid returns and sustainable growth. Leading B-BBEE-compliant companies such as Redefine Properties, Growthpoint Properties Limited, SA Corporate Real Estate Ltd, Attacq Limited, and Vukile Property Fund also actively promote gender empowerment and contribute meaningfully to their CSI initiatives. Water South Africa’s water sector showed progress this year with improved governance, faster licensing, and major infrastructure investments like the Lesotho Highlands Phase 2. Monitoring systems (Blue/Green Drop) resumed, and over R23bn was secured for key projects. Several water utilities, including Rand Water, Magalies Water, and Vaal Central Water, reported increased revenues and stronger financial performance. All five major South African water utilities Rand Water, uMngeni-uThukela Water, Johannesburg Water SOC Limited, Vaal Central Water, and Magalies Water actively support community development and environmental sustainability. They run programs for water conservation education, infrastructure improvements in underserved areas, and skills development. While some face challenges like infrastructure maintenance, overall, these utilities show strong commitment to ESG goals and improving water access. Investment services Over the last financial year, JSE Limited, Sasfin Holdings, Vunani Limited, PSG Financial Services, and Purple Group Ltd delivered solid revenue growth and strong financial results. They also advanced gender empowerment by increasing female representation in leadership and launching impactful diversity initiatives. For example, Sasfin expanded its asset base, Vunani improved profitability despite market challenges, PSG strengthened its investment portfolio, Purple Group enhanced its digital wealth management offerings, and JSE Limited made strides in promoting inclusive governance. This combination of financial success and commitment to inclusion highlights their leadership in South Africa’s financial services sector. Mining in general: Overview The South African mining sector is currently experiencing mixed performance. While some commodities and companies show resilience, many face significant challenges. Several major mining companies posted sharp revenue declines or losses in 2024: While the South African mining sector faces headwinds, certain commodities and companies are navigating these challenges effectively. Investors may find opportunities in resilient sectors like manganese, coal, and copper, especially those companies investing in renewable energy and technological advancements. However, it’s crucial to remain cautious of the broader systemic issues that could impact long-term stability. For more important business-related content, inside the magazine you will find a B2B selection of insightful articles segmented into Leadership, Tech, Tips and Advice and sector overviews. Should you have any queries about this media release, Topco Media, or participating in the Top 500 publication please contact our national project manager, Emlyn Dunn at: emlyn.dunn@topco.co.za.

Sanlam, Sasol and SARS among 2025 Nedbank Top Empowerment Award winners

2025 Nedbank Top Empowerment Award winners

The prestigious Nedbank Oliver Top Empowerment Awards 2025 took centre stage on the night of 31 July 2025, celebrating the exceptional individuals, companies, and organisations driving transformation and empowerment across South Africa. Held under the theme “Defying Limits, Empowering Change,” the event gathered the country’s foremost leaders, changemakers and visionaries in a powerful tribute to inclusive growth and economic justice. Hosted by the renowned broadcaster Leanne Manas, the evening commenced with a welcome address by Ralf Fletcher, CEO of Topco Media, who acknowledged the remarkable progress being made in economic empowerment. The event featured insights from the esteemed judging panel during a live Q&A session with Khensani Nobanda, Group Executive: Group Marketing and Corporate Affairs at Nedbank, and Gavin Fitzmaurice, Partner at Webber Wentzel, who reflected on the calibre of this year’s entries. Guests were further inspired by a powerful keynote from Mfundo Nkuhlu, Chief Operating Officer of Nedbank Group, followed by an address from the Honourable Minister Solly Malatsi, Minister of Communications and Digital Technologies, who spoke to the critical role of digital transformation in building an inclusive, empowered future. Congratulations to the finalists and winners of the categories: TOP EMPOWERED COMPANY: FAST GROWTH BLACK-OWNED SMME OF THE YEAR AWARD Winner: Bono Property Group Finalists: TOP EMPOWERED COMPANY: PUBLIC SECTOR OF THE YEAR AWARD Winner: South African Revenue Service (SARS) Finalists: TOP EMPOWERED COMPANY: ENTERPRISE AND SUPPLIER DEVELOPMENT OF THE YEAR AWARD, Sponsored by Nedbank Winner: Mondi Zimele (Pty) Ltd Finalists: TOP EMPOWERED COMPANY: DIVERSITY, EQUITY AND INCLUSION IN THE WORKPLACE OF THE YEAR AWARD Winner: Schneider Electric Finalists: TOP EMPOWERED COMPANY: SUSTAINABLE BUSINESS OF THE YEAR AWARD Winner: Nestlé ESAR Highly Commended: Isanti Glass Finalists: TOP EMPOWERED COMPANY: YOUTH DEVELOPMENT OF THE YEAR AWARD, Sponsored by Nedbank Winner: Sanlam Life Finalists: TOP EMPOWERED COMPANY: DIGITAL TRANSFORMATION OF THE YEAR AWARD Winner: Vaxowave Finalists: TOP EMPOWERED COMPANY: SOCIO ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT OF THE YEAR AWARD Winner: Sasol Limited Finalists: TOP EMPOWERED: LIFETIME ACHIEVER OF THE YEAR AWARD Honourable Minister Enoch Godongwana – Minister of Finance for South Africa MUNICIPAL WOMEN LEADERSHIP EXCELLENCE AWARD, Sponsored by SALGA NEDBANK OLIVER TOP EMPOWERMENT LEGENDS 2025  TOP EMPOWERED COMPANY: JOB CREATION OF THE YEAR AWARD Winner: Geeks4Learning (Pty) Ltd Finalists: TOP EMPOWERED COMPANY: EDUCATION AND SKILLS DEVELOPMENT OF THE YEAR AWARD Winner: Mondi Zimele (Pty) Ltd Finalists: TOP EMPOWERED: PUBLIC SECTOR LEADER OF THE YEAR AWARD Winner: Edward Kieswetter – South African Revenue Service (SARS) Finalists: RICHARD FLETCHER ENTREPRENEUR OF THE YEAR AWARD Winner: Patricia Tshitema – Bono Property Group Finalists: TOP EMPOWERED: YOUNG ACHIEVER OF THE YEAR AWARD (UNDER 40) Winner: Beverley Siwisa – Afrizan People Intelligence (Pty) Ltd Finalists: TOP EMPOWERED: BUSINESS LEADER OF THE YEAR AWARD Winner: Sindisiwe Dlamini – Pamodzi Unique Engineering Finalists: TOP EMPOWERED COMPANY: BUSINESS OF THE YEAR AWARD, Sponsored by Nedbank Winner: Oceana Group Limited Highly Commended: Isanti Glass Finalists: The 2025 Nedbank Oliver Top Empowerment Awards not only recognised excellence but reignited the national conversation around transformation, equity, and sustainable development. As the winners and finalists take their well-deserved place among South Africa’s top empowered leaders, this year’s event stands as a bold reminder that meaningful change is not only possible – it is already in motion. A heartfelt thank you to our valued sponsors whose support made this celebration of empowerment possible: Nedbank, our Platinum Sponsor; SALGA, also proudly supporting our Category Awards; and our esteemed Lifestyle Sponsors — L’Oréal, Jenna Clifford, and Coca-Cola Beverages South Africa — for adding their unique touch to the evening. Congratulations to all the finalists and winners who continue to inspire, innovate, and lead the way forward.

3 ways to use events to boost your organisation’s reach and revenue

By Koketso Mamabolo Events such as business conferences, masterclasses, and product launches are excellent ways to position your brand at the forefront of your industry, increasing brand awareness, generating leads and shortening sales cycles. Whether in-person, virtual or hybrid, they are proven ways to build new partnerships and market your brand. Here are three ways to use events to grow your brand: 1. Partner with specialists When planning an event, why get someone to do it when you could do it yourself? When you start unpacking the details –  the time it takes; the resources and expertise required; the capacity to reach a wide audience – it may be time to call in the experts. The experience and knowledge it takes to put together an event is not something most businesses have inhouse. By outsourcing an event to a group of experts, you can focus on what you do best: running your business. Everything from marketing campaigns, press releases, speakers, session content, exhibition booths – all of that will be handled for you. Events that have been around for years, which attract industry leaders from various sectors, offer you the opportunity to benefit from being associated with a respected institution. You also gain from associating with non-competitors who are leaders in their own niche markets. When you partner with a B2B event you get the results without having to put in as much financially. You save money, reach a wider audience, generate more content and can get a great return on your investment. Events can take months to organise and the costs can add up. From something as big as the venue or virtual conferencing platform, all the way to the “swag packs” attendees get. All these costs will fall on you when you organise your own event. But when you partner with experts, who understand how to navigate the costs of hosting the event, you just have to pay for the naming rights and everything else will be covered for you.  The brand visibility that comes from partnering with an event can lead to an uptick in sales. Before, during and after the event your business is on display, bringing in both old and new customers.  You put a little in and you get a lot out of it. 2. Be deliberate about making connections Events offer an opportunity to build relationships and engage with potential partners. In one room, or many, you will have a chance to speak to the people you want to be speaking with to help your business grow and improve. Attendees and exhibitors are at an event with your name on it, which does wonders for brand awareness and networking. Besides potential partners, events are also a great place to meet and attract top talent and share knowledge. See every conversation as an opportunity to connect. You never know who you will meet. You could find yourself having a conversation with the CEO of a multinational corporation who is hiring, or looking to form new partnerships. Have a good idea beforehand who will be attending the conference, which allows you to be more direct in who you network with and possibly set up meetings with beforehand. While it is important to know who you want to meet or what you want to discuss, you need to be open to meeting people you weren’t planning to.  Following up after the event is key. Once you’ve exchanged details and discussed partnerships, make sure you reinforce. Whether that be an email or a message on LinkedIn. Being in a room with a range of industry stakeholders is rare. Don’t let the opportunity slip through. 3. Create, create, create Events can be an indirect way of advertising your brand. While advertising online, in newspapers or digital magazines, allows you to speak directly to customers and potential partners, events allow you to speak to them in indirect ways. With all the content created comes web traffic and engagement on your social media accounts. From press releases, web posts, interviews, competitions and more, the chance to drive traffic to your website and increase sales is ever present. All the exposure you get at the event will also provide an opportunity to present your products and services in different ways. You’re able to market new and existing offerings in indirect and direct ways. If you’re working with an event partner, their marketing and PR teams will create content, attendees will create content, speakers and exhibitors will create content, everyone creates content. All that content is available for you to leverage. Your brand’s message will get across to many people across the world in various formats and platforms through marketing campaigns.  Topco Media has solutions that can help you get a return on your investment, build relationships, reach a wider audience and generate more content. With our solutions you get the benefit of having your brand associated with an event that attracts top decision makers from the public sector, private sector and everyone in between. You can do it yourself – but the experts can do it better. For enquiries on how you can partner with us on one of our B2B events, contact Twaambo Chileshe and let us help your business reach its goals and further its reach: twaambo.chileshe@topco.co.za

Africa Tech Digital Transformation Award winner: Etapath’s Co-Founder on making transport more accessible

Etapath Digital Transformation

By Koketso Mamabolo In just five years Etapath went from manual internal process to building an in-house tool which evolved into client-facing, digital-first, centralised tech solution. Their digital transformation journey has seen them help businesses provide their employees with safe, reliable and affordable transport.  “Our journey has been rooted in a vision to make transport in South Africa more accessible, efficient, and opportunity-driven,” says Benjamin Gordon, Co-Founder of Etapath, the winner of the 2025 Africa Tech Digital Transformation award. Across the country, Etapath has completed over a million scheduled commutes, with over 15 000 users and the results are impressive: Their corporate clients report 30% in savings on transport and a 40% drop in absenteeism.  After having made such an impact in only half a decade, there’s sure to be even more success in store for the rapidly growing tech company. “Opportunities only materialise when you’re prepared to seize them, and we’ve made it a priority to always be ready for what’s next.” Congratulations on winning the Digital Transformation award. What does winning the award mean to you and your organisation? Winning the Digital Transformation Award is a significant milestone for us. It affirms the hard work we’ve invested in evolving from manual operations to digital systems, from reactive problem-solving to proactive innovation, and from serving local needs to having a national footprint. More than just a recognition of our technology, this award honors the real-world impact we’re making; supporting workers on their daily commutes, enabling businesses to function reliably, and opening doors for communities to access better opportunities. Meet the Africa Tech Founder of the Year Please tell us about your journey, how did you get to this point in your career? Our journey has been rooted in a vision to make transport in South Africa more accessible, efficient, and opportunity-driven. Since Etapath’s start in 2020, we’ve focused on delivering high-tech transport solutions that address real-world challenges. Early traction with major corporate clients helped us expand nationally by 2022. Along the way, we developed impactful tools like the Team Manager platform, an integrated payment system, and detailed passenger data analytics. Strategic partnerships with organisations such as BPESA and Google Mobility have played a critical role in our growth and influence. What are the biggest lessons you’ve learnt in your journey and how have you been able to apply them? One of the most important lessons is to never take things personally. The best ideas should win, no matter where they come from. True progress happens when ego steps aside. Another key lesson is that luck is really the intersection of preparation and timing. Opportunities only materialise when you’re prepared to seize them, and we’ve made it a priority to always be ready for what’s next. Read: The full list of winners from 2025 Africa Tech Awards What inspires you to do what you do? We’re driven by a bigger mission: to eliminate technology as a barrier to employment, investment, and growth. We believe tech should be an enabler, not an obstacle. By making commuting simpler, safer, and more affordable, and by equipping small fleet operators with advanced tools, we’re helping build an inclusive and competitive transport ecosystem that benefits everyone, from individual commuters to enterprise-level clients. What do you believe are the major trends you believe we should be looking out for in the next few years? We expect Cape Town to emerge as a key hub for tech innovation in South Africa. We’re also watching the rise of homegrown e-hailing platforms expanding across Africa. And of course, AI is set to transform the transport industry even further; especially in areas like route optimisation, driver allocation, and operational efficiency.