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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

Bold leadership needed to close Africa’s AI gap

Africa’s AI

By Dumisani Moyo Artificial Intelligence (AI) is reshaping industries and societies around the world. In Africa, it holds immense potential to tackle deep-rooted challenges in healthcare, education, financial inclusion, and unemployment. Yet while the AI technology gap dominates the conversation, the more urgent issue is the need for bold leadership. AI is often positioned as the next frontier of human progress. In Africa, that promise is constrained by significant barriers including inadequate infrastructure, limited investment, poor internet access, and fragile data ecosystems. According to the United Nations, while 85% of Africa’s population has access to 3G, only 38% use the internet, well below the global average of 68%. This highlights a disconnect between infrastructure availability and meaningful digital inclusion. Despite pervasive challenges, AI innovation is gaining momentum across the continent. In Zimbabwe, Dr. CADx uses AI to enhance radiology diagnostics. In Kenya, M-Shule delivers personalised learning via SMS, expanding access to education in areas with limited internet. In South Africa, Aerobotics uses AI to help farmers boost crop yields. Founded in Cape Town, the company now operates in 18 countries, with its largest market in the United States. In Nigeria, LifeBank uses AI and data analytics to connect hospitals with critical supplies such as blood and vaccines. Yet we play a limited role in the global AI value chain. According to the World Economic Forum, between 2022 and 2023, the continent attracted only $641-million in AI-related venture capital, a mere 0.3% of the projected $184-billion in global AI investments. Initiatives like IndabaX are working to change that narrative. Since 2018, this community-led network has brought together AI stakeholders across Africa to strengthen skills in machine learning and AI. By 2024, it had expanded to 47 countries, and plays a vital role in building local expertise and advancing continent-wide engagement. Partnerships pave the way Harnessing AI’s full potential requires more than technical expertise. It demands foresight, coordination, and a clear strategy shaped around Africa’s unique opportunities and challenges. While some governments have launched national AI strategies, AI is still often seen as a futuristic concept in many boardrooms. Universities face the challenge of updating curricula fast enough, and policymakers often struggle to keep pace with rapid technological change. Encouragingly, initiatives are gaining momentum across the continent. Rwanda’s Centre for the Fourth Industrial Revolution (C4IR), in partnership with the World Economic Forum, places AI at its core. Ghana’s National AI Strategy targets growth across healthcare, education, ethics, and capacity-building. South Africa’s Presidential Commission on the Fourth Industrial Revolution (PC4IR) has prioritised AI alongside other transformative technologies. Kenya’s Blockchain and AI Task Force is already looking at how emerging tech can drive development, financial inclusion, and job creation. But closing the gap will take bold action and a broad-based effort that engages Africa’s youth across every stage of the AI value chain, from classrooms to boardrooms. With 60% of the population under 25, Africa is the world’s youngest and fastest-growing continent. That youth represents a powerful force for innovation provided they are equipped with the technical skills, leadership, governance, and strategic insight to solve local problems at scale. Leadership critical to reap AI benefits Without leaders who can envision the possibilities, commit resources, and invest intentionally, even the most advanced technology will fail to deliver impact. AI is more than a tool. It has the potential to influence policy, shape education reform, transform business models, and redefine systems across healthcare, finance, and governance. If Africa does not play an active role in designing, applying, and regulating AI, others will define the future on its behalf. This poses significant risks, including systems built on foreign datasets that misrepresent African realities or fail to address local needs. Closing the leadership gap requires building a new generation of decision-makers who not only understand technology, but also grasp its wider social, ethical, and economic dimensions. Africa needs leaders who can think strategically about AI and create environments where inclusive innovation can thrive. Unlocking Africa’s AI potential To thrive in the AI era, Africa must co-create, co-innovate, and lead. Bridging both the technology and leadership gaps demands a coordinated and sustained effort across four key areas: Africa stands at a defining moment. Shaping a truly African AI future will require a shared vision, bold leadership, and deep collaboration across government, business, academia, and civil society. As the African proverb says, “Wisdom is like a baobab tree; no one individual can embrace it.” Dumisani Moyo is the Marketing Director at SAP Africa

Empowering South Africa’s youth

Empowering South Africa’s youth

Partner Content June is a significant month in South Africa, marking Youth Month and commemorating the pivotal role young people played in the fight against apartheid, notably the historic Soweto Uprising of 16 June 1976. Youth Day, celebrated on 16 June, serves as a powerful reminder of the ongoing contributions to social transformation made by young people. It is both a tribute to their legacy and a call to reflect on the current opportunities and challenges facing the youth today. Nedbank’s Executive Head of Transformation, Kershini Govender, offers valuable insights into how the bank’s transformation journey is closely aligned with the country’s youth development and economic inclusion objectives. Central to this is Nedbank’s commitment to the Youth Employment Service (YES) Programme – a national, business-led collaboration with the government to address one of South Africa’s most urgent challenges. The youth unemployment rate in South Africa remains alarmingly high, standing at 46.1% in the first quarter of 2025 according to Statistics South Africa. “Nedbank’s purpose-led approach to transformation transcends compliance and box-ticking,” Govender explains. The bank embeds transformation within its core business strategy, driven by a purpose to use its financial expertise ‘to do good’ for its clients, shareholders, and society at large. This approach to transformation is underpinned by creating sustainable socioeconomic impact across society. A leading example of this commitment is Nedbank’s partnership with the YES Programme. Since 2019, Nedbank has onboarded 17 264 candidates, including this year’s sign-up, providing crucial work experience and skills development opportunities. The 2024 Nedbank YES cohort was empowered to gain meaningful employment and workplace exposure, either within Nedbank or through our partner organisations, the Africa Foundation and WILDTRUST. The impact of the YES Programme extends beyond employment figures, with about 64% of the work opportunities created being filled by women, and approximately 85% of YES participants coming from households reliant on social grants. Many participants also support their families with their income.  Nedbank’s commitment to youth and transformation also extends into its Enterprise and Supplier Development (ESD) programmes. Nedbank’s ESD strategy is rooted in sustainable development principles; empowering entrepreneurs not only with funding, but also with mentorship, business skills, and access to networks. This holistic approach positions these enterprises for long-term success, which benefits both the entrepreneurs and the communities they serve. Govender reflects on the ongoing transformation journey at Nedbank with humility and optimism. The bank’s Level 1 B-BBEE contributor status, achieved for 7 consecutive years, signals deep commitment and consistent progress. She emphasises that transformation is not just a moral imperative, but a business necessity to remain relevant and effective in an evolving landscape. With over R930-million injected into the economy through salaries earned by YES youth across the programme and since its inception in 2019, Nedbank is one of the programme’s top 5 corporate sponsors, demonstrating how private sector leadership can catalyse systemic change. “The YES Programme continues to uncover extraordinary young talent and positively contribute to a more inclusive South Africa,” Govender says. “We are proud that our young people gain vital skills and that their families and communities benefit through this programme.” As South Africa marks Youth Month this June, Nedbank’s efforts exemplify how strategic partnerships and purpose-driven transformation can empower youth, uplift communities, and build a sustainable, inclusive economy. Through the YES Programme and its broader ESD initiatives, Nedbank is not only celebrating youth but actively shaping their futures and that of the nation.

Youth Empowerment: South Africa’s most critical investment in the age of AI

Youth Empowerment

By Ravi Naidoo, CEO, Youth Employment Service As the Artificial Intelligence (AI) revolution accelerates, empowering South Africa’s youth means preparing them for the challenges and opportunities that this transformation brings. On this journey, we face a critical juncture. We’ve increased access to higher education and created innovative work experience programmes like the Youth Employment Service (YES), but we’re still grappling with a world of rapid technological change that threatens to leave many people behind.   As the COVID-19 crisis demonstrated, the world will bifurcate between those countries that possess technological capabilities and those that lag behind. Hence vaccine-producing rich countries kept six vaccines per citizen before they released vaccines to Africa (which barely could get six per 100 people).   Moreover, technological capabilities are enabling a “cross-species transmission” in an economic sense – for example, companies once more famous for making cellphones are now producing state-of-the-art SUVs. There is no question that as new technology advances, many old industries will be massively disrupted with concomitant employment implications. Accordingly, it is imperative that we prepare young people for that technology-driven future.  The Harvard Business Review investigated the challenges and opportunities presented by AI’s impact on the labour market. Tools like ChatGPT and image-generating AI have significantly impacted automation-prone jobs like writing, software development, and coding. This indicates that workers in automation-prone jobs are more likely to face challenges in this shifting job market compared to manual-intensive jobs. To keep up and remain hireable, they’ll need a diverse skillset and a comprehensive understanding of AI tools.  It’s clear that basic digital skills are foundational to mastering AI and successfully navigating the workplace of the future. The African Development Bank Group projects that by 2025, at least 263 million young Africans will lack economic opportunities, partly due to a lack of digital skills. According to The African Union’s AI for Sustainable Youth Development in Africa Report, “If harnessed effectively, emerging digital technologies such as Artificial Intelligence could create new jobs and business opportunities in agriculture, health, trade, and education, among other sectors.” Countries across Africa are waking up to these possibilities and starting to invest in AI upskilling to overcome challenges in these sectors and beyond. Our mandate is clear. We must harness the enormous potential of AI by addressing South Africa’s digital divide and upskilling our youth. This begins with providing essential digital infrastructure at a basic education level and building on these skills in universities and in the workplace to align with global standards. Although universities are producing highly skilled STEM graduates, the current state of youth unemployment in South Africa shows that formal education is still falling short when it comes to preparing youth for this digital shift.  While South Africa has made strides in increasing access to tertiary education—with universities like UJ growing their student population by 50% in just four years—we still face a critical challenge as students struggle to complete their qualifications. A 60% dropout rate in first year is a clear indication that we need to rethink our approach to youth empowerment through education. The reality is that a qualification rapidly loses value without practical experience. Our survey of 150 employers at YES shows that two years of practical work experience is valued almost equally to a three-year tertiary qualification highlighting the importance of programmes like YES in preparing youth for the demands of the workplace beyond tertiary education. This is not to diminish the importance of formal education—universities play a crucial role in developing critical thinking skills and providing deep contextual understanding. However, the traditional model of “get a degree and you’re set for life” is obsolete, particularly in the age of AI. Practical work experience that applies theoretical learning in real-world contexts is crucial for bridging the gap between education and the workforce. Organisations have recognised the importance of continuous upskilling through courses and training for employees, particularly when it comes to key digital skills and integrating AI into organisational structures. We’ve already seen this happening with companies like Microsoft, Amazon and other tech giants offering AI-accredited programmes that are more agile and market-relevant than traditional government-accredited courses. If businesses followed these examples and gave South Africa’s youth the opportunity to access invaluable skills and work experience, we could build a tech savvy generation, ready to take on the digital revolution. At YES, we’re making this happen by providing young South Africans with practical work experience and access to crucial tech skills that enhance their employability. Our voluntary programme has enabled 1,834 corporates to fund over 170,000 youth in quality first jobs, with an average of 3,000 youth joining monthly. We’re seeing incredible results. Part of this success is our incorporation of AI training into our modules, which has been proven to grow market-relevant skills and foster innovation.  By partnering with YES, businesses can provide youth with access to essential digital skills development and AI upskilling. If corporate South Africa matched the youth employment commitments of current YES clients, we could create approximately 150,000 youth jobs annually at current GDP growth rates. More broadly, this means building a more resilient economy and a sustainable future for South Africa as our economy becomes more dependent on harnessing AI for growth.  AI holds enormous potential to transform how we work and down barriers to economic development. Harnessing this potential means investing in our youth by providing access to the skills needed to master this emerging technology. Through collaboration between key stakeholders, from government to the private sector, we can help the next generation thrive in the age of AI and put South Africa on the map as a leader in the global digital landscape. 

Building Africa’s future: The time for action is now

Building Africa’s future: The time for action is now

By Dr Terence G Sibiya The UN Economic Development in Africa report, released earlier this year, considers what African economies can do to strengthen resilience to trade risks caused by interconnected shocks across political, economic, energy, technological, and climate fronts. Many global crises, including the legacy of COVID-19, the war in Ukraine, and more recently tariffs which are being negotiated between African states and the US, introduce degrees of uncertainty, and necessitate greater resilience by African economies. Reliance on foreign markets, volatile commodity exports, high debt, and weak infrastructure have increased our vulnerability to economic shocks. As Reserve Bank Governor Lesetja Kganyago stated in an interview with Bloomberg earlier this year, the global economy faces economic fragmentation, and this raises the level of uncertainty. Strengthening our resilience is necessary to create a buffer against uncertain headwinds. While these are certainly challenges, they can also present an opportunity for Africa to build self-sufficiency and economic stability. The African Continental Free Trade Agreement (AfCFTA) is certainly one of the mechanisms we have to achieve this, with its potential estimated at $3.4-trillion, according to UN Trade and Development. AfCFTA is designed to unlock Africa’s economic strength from within, reducing dependency on external markets and enhancing regional trade networks. As things stand, intra-African trade accounts for just 16% of our total trade on the continent. Over 50% of the continent’s imports and exports are tied to just five economies, all outside of Africa. Meanwhile, only 16 of 54 African nations source more than 0.5% of intermediate goods regionally, which is a missed opportunity for value-added trade and manufacturing on the continent.  Strengthening and diversifying Africa’s trade networks is key to building resilience, but infrastructure gaps, especially in transport and electricity, and non-tariff barriers, all pose hindrances to regional supply chains. Poor telecommunications connectivity also stands as an obstacle to trade growth. For example, road transport accounts for about 29% of the price of goods traded within Africa, compared to just 7% for those traded outside the continent. Without significant investment in infrastructure, trade liberalisation alone will not be enough to drive economic transformation. With these infrastructure backlogs and fiscal constraints in the public sector, attracting private sector capital has become essential to unlocking infrastructure expansion and improving cross-border connectivity, which in turn will drive economic growth and boost revenue for African nations. Governments alone cannot bridge this gap, which is why public-private partnerships (PPPs) are crucial in financing infrastructure and trade-related projects. Blended finance models (DFIs + commercial banks) will be instrumental in financing this transformation. The African Development Bank (AfDB) estimates that Africa requires between $130-billion and $170-billion annually for infrastructure, but there remains a $100-billion funding gap. The private sector must step up to help bridge this gap by leveraging its capital and expertise to fast-track critical projects. The leveraging of solid blended finance models will also be critical in the execution of necessary projects. Accelerating economic integration requires AfCFTA member states to collaborate with the private sector to unlock business opportunities and tackle trade and investment barriers. While the private sector stands ready to invest in infrastructure, logistics, and renewable energy, governments will need to implement reforms that encourage this private sector investment and financing. In particular, regulatory frameworks must be harmonised across countries to create a stable and predictable business environment that fosters investor confidence. As the African Union (AU) states in its Agenda 2063, success requires political leadership, vision, and commitment as well as the capacity to implement change. As the Group Managing Executive for Nedbank Africa Regions, I recognise that bridging the gap between policy ambition and real-world execution requires financial institutions to lead from the front in all our markets. Our commitment goes beyond financing. We actively support cross-border trade, investment facilitation, and financial inclusion, having sustainable financing at the core of our business and strategy. Our current footprint in Africa includes operations in Eswatini, Lesotho, Mozambique, Namibia and Zimbabwe as well as representative offices in Kenya and Ghana, with plans to expand our presence over time. Nedbank offers banking and related services across NAR for retail clients, small and medium enterprises, larger businesses and corporates, as well as institutions. We offer a full range of banking services, including transactional, lending, deposit-taking, card, bancassurance and selected wealth management offerings. These place us at the forefront of promoting sustainable economic growth in Africa. Africa’s economic trajectory is increasingly influenced by global trade and policy frameworks. South Africa’s G20 Presidency, under the theme of “Solidarity, Equality, Sustainability,” presents an opportunity to ensure that Africa’s economic priorities are not just heard but acted upon on the global stage. President Cyril Ramaphosa has underscored the urgent need for climate-resilient funding, responsible debt relief, and the sustainable development of mineral resources. These are not abstract policy considerations. They have real and immediate implications for businesses, from capital flows to infrastructure investment and global competitiveness. This Africa Month, we declare that the time for planning is over – the time for action is now. We must make the most of the opportunities that the AfCFTA presents. AfCFTA’s success will not be measured by rhetoric but by the tangible progress we make in building a truly integrated, economically empowered Africa. Let us move beyond ambition and into execution because Africa’s future will not build itself. We must build it together. Terence G Sibiya is Nedbank’s Group Managing Executive: Nedbank Africa Regions

Be in the middle of the action: Why you need to attend a tech conference

By Topco Marketing The tech industry in Africa is buzzing with innovation but how can you get involved in this dynamic ecosystem? Whether you’re a B2B startup, multinational corporation, investor, policymaker, or academic, you’re always looking for a way to stay on the cutting-edge of one of the most impactful industries. Here are six reasons why you should attend a tech conference in 2025. 1. Keep your team inspired and motivated Attending conferences in the heart of Africa’s booming tech scene is more than just a routine – it’s a journey that will keep your team inspired and motivated. Hearing from successful entrepreneurs can be a powerful boost, pulling your team outside the office walls and into an environment that breathes innovation. It’s an excellent opportunity for employees to gain a fresh perspective on their roles, the company’s mission, and the challenges that lie ahead. 2. Invest in knowledge and skills development  Compared to formal training programmes, conference tickets are often more cost-effective, giving you valuable insights that can help to alter the trajectory of your company. A single idea learned at a conference can sometimes have a substantial impact. In short, consider attending conferences as a strategic business investment that can enrich your team and positively impact your bottom line. 3. Learn from other leaders Targeted conferences, like B2B conferences, are hubs of innovation, where entrepreneurs and experts shape the continent’s future. They are an excellent way to expand your network, gain insights, and exchange best practices with peers and business partners. Attending conferences in Africa is an absolute must if you want to meet new prospects and develop long-lasting business relationships. You can gather feedback, forge meaningful relationships, and gain valuable insights that can help you grow and stay ahead of the competition. As a sponsor, exhibitor, speaker, or attendee, you can target key accounts, engage in post-talk conversations, or connect at booths. There is no better way to establish and maintain customer relationships than by meeting them face-to-face.  4. Find new talent You could meet talented professionals who can add value to your company. Tech conferences are highly focused, which increases your chances of finding individuals who align with your company’s needs. Whether you’re looking for engineers, sales professionals, or marketers, tech conferences provide an ideal platform to connect with potential employees who share your industry interests.  5. Meet attendees from around the world The tech conferences in Africa are no longer confined to the continent’s borders, as businesses from Europe and Asia are increasingly showing interest in attending these events. With a thriving tech ecosystem and numerous opportunities, these conferences provide an entry point for international companies looking to establish a foothold in the African market. For European businesses, exploring partnerships and collaborations in Africa presents untapped potential and access to new markets. These conferences offer a firsthand look at the innovative solutions emerging from the continent, enabling European companies to diversify their portfolios and stay ahead in a competitive global landscape. Networking with African startups and industry leaders can lay the groundwork for mutually beneficial ventures, fostering innovation and cross-cultural collaboration. Likewise, Asian countries with a reputation for tech prowess are keen to expand their businesses to Africa. Attending these conferences allows Asian companies to understand the local dynamics, explore investment opportunities, and build strategic alliances in the continent. The events provide a platform for knowledge exchange, enabling Asian companies to leverage their technological expertise while contributing to the growth and development of Africa’s tech ecosystem. In essence, these conferences serve as melting pots for diverse perspectives, creating an environment where European and Asian businesses can engage with their African counterparts, share insights and explore opportunities for collaborative ventures. The potential for cross-continental partnerships is immense, and these events act as catalysts for building bridges between continents, creating a global tech landscape that thrives on diversity and innovation. The stage is set for a collaborative future, where businesses from Europe and Asia converge in Africa, embracing the opportunities that these tech conferences bring to the forefront. The 2025 Sentech Africa Tech Week Summit promises to offer a vibrant and innovative atmosphere, with opportunities to gain inspiration, knowledge, and make valuable connections. Embrace this chance to be part of Africa’s tech revolution and constructively contribute to the growth of the tech industry in Africa. Get your tickets here.

Partnerships that connect people and uplift communities

VEA Road Maintenance and Civils

At VEA Road Maintenance and Civils, roads do more than connect cities — they connect people, create opportunities, and uplift entire communities. The company’s exceptional growth and success are built on invaluable partnerships with key clients like the South African National Roads Agency (SANRAL), the Department of Roads and Transport, the Western Cape Government and the KwaZulu-Natal Department of Transport. Together with these partners, VEA Road Maintenance and Civils has built a reputation for excellence, highlighted by its consecutive Top 5 ranking in the South African Construction Sector for 2024, an honour it also achieved in 2023. Being ranked among the Top 500 best managed companies reflects the company’s relentless focus on quality, innovation, inclusion, and community impact. “We’re more than a road construction company,” says Thoko Tshabalala-Shandu, Managing Director. “Our vision is to use infrastructure as a tool for positive change. Without our strong relationships with clients and communities, our ability to make an impact would be limited.” VEA Road Maintenance and Civils’ partnerships enable the company to execute large-scale projects that not only improve infrastructure but also change lives. From creating jobs to developing skills and supporting local communities, their work goes far beyond the roads they build. One of the most significant collaborations is with SANRAL where VEA Road Maintenance and Civils has worked on major projects  such as the N2, N12, and R23 highways. These projects have not only improved the road network but have also contributed to job creation and skills development within local communities.  “SANRAL’s approach is holistic. They don’t just build roads – they ensure that the communities around the roads benefit too,” explains Thoko. “This commitment aligns  perfectly with our mission to empower communities through infrastructure.” VEA Road Maintenance and Civils’ work with other esteemed clients has allowed it to contribute to regional growth by employing local labour and providing training in crucial technical skills.  “For us, building roads is just the beginning,” says Thoko. “Each project is an opportunity to uplift communities and create long-term opportunities.” VEA Road Maintenance and Civils’ dedication to excellence and community upliftment has been recognised with its Top 5 ranking in South Africa’s Construction Sector for 2024, an honour it has now earned multiple times. This recognition places VEA Road Maintenance and Civils among the best 5 out of 500 companies in the sector, marking two consecutive years of maintaining this prestigious standing.  VEA Road Maintenance and Civils’ recognition in the Top 5 ranking for the Construction Sector, an honour it has earned multiple times, reflects the organisation’s commitment to excellence and community upliftment. “Being in the Top 5 is about more than technical expertise or delivering on time,” says Thoko. “It’s about how we approach everything — from the partnerships we build to the way we engage with communities. Our success is deeply rooted in the people we work with — our team, our clients, and the communities we serve.”  This continued recognition, two consecutive years running, is a direct result of VEA Road Maintenance and Civils’ focus on partnerships and community engagement. For example, the collaboration with SANRAL on projects like Operation Vala Zonke, a nation-wide pothole-fixing initiative, is a testament to the company’s community-centred approach.  “We’ve been able to create jobs and provide training to local workers, thanks to the support of SANRAL and our other clients,” says Thoko. “Together, we’re building a brighter future for everyone involved.”  VEA Road Maintenance and Civils’ commitment to community upliftment goes beyond infrastructure. Their involvement in initiatives like Mandela Day, where they extended their 67 minutes of service into an entire weekend, delivering supplies to schools and elderly homes, is just one  example of their dedication. In the South African construction sector, diversity and inclusion are becoming increasingly important. VEA Road Maintenance and Civils is leading the way in this transformation, with a strong focus on gender diversity under the leadership of Thoko Tshabalala-Shandu. The company has created hundreds of opportunities for women in the construction industry, an area traditionally dominated by men.  Thanks to partnerships with SANRAL, the Department of Roads and Transport, and other governmental bodies, VEA Road Maintenance and Civils is not only delivering high-quality infrastructure but also empowering women and young people through employment and training opportunities.  “Our clients have been instrumental in helping us bring more women into the industry,” says Thoko. “We are opening doors that were once closed to women, and that’s something we are very proud of.”  Contracts Manager Terry- Anne Hart adds, “Our partnerships with SANRAL and provincial governments enable us to promote diversity and inclusion. When organisations share a commitment to empowering underrepresented groups, the results are truly transformative.”  This focus on community impact, diversity, and inclusion is one of the main reasons VEA Road Maintenance and Civils consistently ranks in the Top 5. Their ability to deliver exceptional infrastructure while empowering communities sets them apart from their competitors.  “Our roads are more than just infrastructure,” concludes Thoko. “They are bridges to better futures. None of this would be possible without our incredible partners, whose shared commitment to building a better South Africa perfectly aligns with ours.”  Georgina, a site agent in VEA Road Maintenance and Civils, shares her perspective on managing over 700 workers and navigating the challenges that come with such a responsibility.  “Managing this many people comes with its challenges, like conflict resolution, labour disputes, and ensuring everyone knows their role,” Georgina explains. “A good manager needs to be solution-oriented. I believe in addressing issues immediately, then revisiting the cause to prevent it from happening again.”  Georgina’s leadership style is built on an open-door policy and team empowerment. “I always encourage my team to suggest solutions, not just report problems. This creates accountability and ensures quicker conflict resolution,” she says.  Her approach ensures that VEA Road Maintenance and Civils not only maintains high-quality delivery but also fosters a positive and collaborative work environment.  At VEA Road Maintenance and Civils, they don’t just build roads —  they build opportunities. With the support of partners

 Africa’s tech revolution needs you – come forge connections, influence policy and accelerate growth

From AI-driven healthcare to blockchain-powered financial inclusion, the continent is rewriting its narrative as a global tech powerhouse. But to sustain this momentum, collaboration, innovation, and strategic dialogue are non-negotiable. Sentech Africa Tech Week 2025, taking place from 3–4 June, at the Century City Convention Centre in Cape Town, is where Africa’s brightest tech minds converge to shape the future. This isn’t just another conference, it’s a catalyst for growth, a platform for disruptive ideas, and a launchpad for partnerships that will redefine the continent’s digital landscape. Why your company can’t afford to miss this 1. Tackle Africa’s most pressing tech challenges: 2. Unlock cutting-edge opportunities: 3. Network with decision-makers and disruptors: Rub shoulders with ministers, CIOs, global cloud leaders, and rising startups. Forge alliances in the “Global Alliances, Local Impact” session, where cross-border partnerships are redefining Africa’s digital economy. 4. Position your brand as a leader: Think your startup is the next big thing? Then the Pitching Den is for you. Sessions that will redefine your strategy Why sponsor, exhibit, or attend? Sponsors: Gain unparalleled visibility. Position your brand as a pillar of Africa’s tech ecosystem Act now—Africa’s future won’t wait. The clock is ticking. Secure your spot at the forefront of Africa’s digital revolution. Register now: https://qkt.io/MCKP8m