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The next phase of transformation: Where policy, power and progress collide

Transformation

As South Africa’s transformation landscape continues to evolve, the Nedbank Top Empowerment Conference 2026 returns with a clear intention: to move the conversation beyond compliance and toward measurable, meaningful impact. Taking place this June in commemoration of Youth Day, the conference will once again convene the policymakers, executives, transformation leaders and innovators tasked not only with shaping policy, but with delivering outcomes in an increasingly complex environment. The Nedbank Top Empowerment Conference 2026 is made possible through the support of Nedbank as Platinum Partner, alongside Sanlam and SALGA as Gold Sponsors. Further support is provided by Industrial Development Corporation of South Africa Ltd as Silver Sponsor, Central Energy Fund, MCPM, INSETA, Prescient Investment Management, Mashudu Tinyiko Consulting, Sourceworx, Association of B-BBEE Professionals (ABP) and ASI Financial Services as Bronze Sponsors, as well as Isanti Glass as Bronze Partner. Additional organisations contributing to the programme and conference experience include Greysun as Networking Lounge Sponsor, alongside Showcase Sponsors Dataal Africa, Maribe, 21st Century Funeral Services, Labournet, LEAP + LAB17, Avo Vision, Diversifi, Moore Holding Group, Save the Children, KEI Solutions and Care More Foundation. Afrizan People Intelligence will also participate as an Exhibition partner. Event coverage will be led by SABC, our Platinum Media Partner, alongside strategic and media partners: Glynt, Primedia OOH, Mail & Guardian, Briefly News, Sunday World, BEE Online, Good Governance Africa and BPESA. Our lifestyle partners include: Nespresso, Jenna Clifford Designs, Isanti Glass, GQ Tissues, BICS and Mvula Drops. The 2026 programme reflects a decisive shift in focus. Transformation is no longer viewed purely as a regulatory exercise, but increasingly as an economic imperative tied directly to competitiveness, investment readiness and long-term resilience. Discussions throughout the two-day conference will examine how organisations can recalibrate their strategies by prioritising high-impact interventions, embedding inclusion into decision-making structures, and ensuring that empowerment initiatives deliver measurable value in rapidly evolving economic conditions. Conversations will further interrogate how empowerment financing, infrastructure investment and ESG strategies can be leveraged not only to meet compliance requirements, but to unlock broader participation, industrial growth and sustainable economic opportunity. From supplier development funding to large-scale infrastructure delivery, the emphasis is shifting toward how capital can be structured and deployed to support measurable transformation outcomes at scale. A strong focus will also be placed on collaboration as a driver of economic inclusion. With youth unemployment remaining one of South Africa’s most urgent challenges, the programme explores how aligned partnerships between the public and private sectors can unlock funding, support entrepreneurship and create pathways into meaningful employment. Set against the backdrop of South Africa’s evolving socio-economic landscape, the 2026 conference represents both a moment of reflection and a call to action. It is a platform designed for leaders who recognise that the next phase of transformation will require sharper execution, deeper collaboration and a renewed focus on measurable outcomes. The conference will also feature the live unveiling of the 25th anniversary edition of Impumelelo: Top Empowerment Companies, marking a significant milestone in documenting  South Africa’s transformation journey while reflecting on the road ahead. For leaders navigating increasing complexity across transformation, ESG, inclusion and economic development, the Nedbank Top Empowerment Conference remains a critical platform where strategy meets accountability and where the future of inclusive growth is actively shaped. For tickets and registration: https://qkt.io/TopEmpowerment2026 For remaining sponsorship opportunities across the conference and publication, contact: marketing@topco.co.za

Rachel Kolisi to deliver keynote address at Standard Bank Top Women Conference 2025

Top Women Conference inside image

The Standard Bank Top Women Conference, South Africa’s premier gender empowerment platform, returns to the Sandton Convention Centre on 22–23 September under the bold theme: “Her Power. Africa’s Future.” Now in its ninth year, this two-day conference will convene over 1 000 influential leaders, visionary entrepreneurs, policymakers, and changemakers committed to advancing women’s role in shaping Africa’s growth story. It has become a rallying point for women who are not only participating in South Africa’s progress, but actively defining it. This year’s theme underscores the unstoppable force of women entrepreneurs as visionaries whose strength, innovation, and resilience are transforming industries, communities, and borders. “I believe platforms like the Standard Bank Top Women Conference are vital because they don’t just recognise women’s achievements, they ignite conversations and connections that lead to real change. For me, the most powerful part of this journey is seeing how collaboration between visionary leaders, sponsors, and entrepreneurs creates lasting impact. As we launch the 20th annual Top Women Leaders Publication, it’s a reminder that women are not waiting for the future…we are building it.” – Twaambo Judy Chileshe, Head of Brand, Top Women  A powerful line-up of topics and leaders The two-day programme is set to deliver an impactful experience, featuring inspiring keynote addresses from visionary leaders, dynamic panel discussions, SheLeads Dialogues, and a wealth of networking opportunities designed to accelerate inclusive growth across South Africa. Delegates will also have the opportunity to participate in PitchPower Networking sessions, where they can deliver rapid two-minute lightning pitches to showcase their business, product, or service to an audience of peers, potential partners, and investors. Programme highlights include: From sustainability and governance to creative industries, youth entrepreneurship, and healthcare innovation, the agenda reflects the full entrepreneurial journey and the ecosystem of support needed to help women thrive. READ: 3 ways to use events to boost your organisation’s reach and revenue Keynote voices of change This year’s keynote speakers include: Together, these leaders and many others will bring their expertise, experience, and passion to discussions that champion inclusive enterprise and women-driven innovation. Building legacy through partnership The Standard Bank Top Women Conference continues to grow as a collaborative platform thanks to the support of its valued partners and sponsors:  Platinum Partner: Standard Bank Gold Partner: merSETA Host City Partner: Gauteng Tourism Authority Silver Partners: Merchants, Harmony Gold Mining Company, Guerbet SA, KFC South Africa Bronze Partners: Enel Green Power, Barloworld Limited, Bridging & Associates, MSD Southern Africa, South African Airways, SIBANYE Still Water Showcase Counters: CorpsAfrica, Mancosa, Godrej Consumer Products, Euphoria Telecom, The Gordon Group, CCG Systems Lifestyle Partners: Nespresso, Mr Price Sport, L’oreal, DHL Their commitment to advancing women’s empowerment in business and society is central to the conference’s impact and longevity. INTERVIEW: How Rachel Kolisi balances it all Join the movement – Shape Africa’s future Delegates will leave empowered with actionable strategies, new connections, and a renewed vision of how women-led enterprises can shape Africa’s economic and social future. Event Details:Venue: The Ballroom, Sandton Convention Centre, JohannesburgDate: 22–23 September 2025 Tickets: https://qkt.io/X98Pay 

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