Delivery tech helps SA navigate infrastructure challenges
“Delivery management software plays a critical role in optimising logistics operations, improving route efficiency, and enhancing visibility. By streamlining these processes, businesses can achieve tangible benefits.”
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.
Award-winning impact: Oceana Group, Top Empowered Business of the Year
By Shumirai Chimombe “At Oceana, our actions are based on the philosophy that those of us who live above the breadline have a responsibility to improve the lives of those who live below the breadline. We are mindful of our social obligations as responsible corporate citizens of South Africa and remain focused on positively impacting the lives of all our stakeholders and communities not only in areas surrounding our operations but across the country.” It is this focus on uplifting communities, as well as its dedication to transformation, empowerment, and job creation that earned the Oceana Group the Top Empowered Company: Business of the Year Award 2024. The Top Empowerment Awards recognise the businesses leading in transformation, that have displayed innovative leadership, and made a significant impact on the communities in which they operate as well as society at large. A leader in the global fishing and food processing industry The Oceana Group is a global fishing and food processing company with businesses that operate across the full value-chain – from catching or procuring, to processing, marketing, distributing and selling. As Africa’s largest fishing company with a history dating back over 105 years, it has been listed on the Johannesburg Stock Exchange (JSE) for over 75 years, as well on the Namibian (NSX) and A2X stock exchanges. Oceana has about 3 400 employees based across South Africa, Namibia and the United States. It operates about 48 fishing vessels and boats, and 8 production facilities spanning three countries on two continents – South Africa, Namibia and the USA, selling products to customers in 41 countries across Africa, North America, Asia, Europe and Australia. Their core seafood offerings include pilchards (Lucky Star), horse mackerel, hake, squid, and lobster. Recently they expanded to include other canned protein products such as vegetables, beans and corned meat. Their fishmeal and fish oil manufacturing business is primarily for the aquaculture, animal feed and pet food industries. A household name and home to one of South Africa’s most trusted brands One of Oceana’s flagship products is the iconic Lucky Star brand of canned pilchards which has been on retail shelves for nearly 70 years, and is instantly recognisable to every South African. Canned pilchards are a healthy and affordable protein that provide daily food security to millions of people. With its sophisticated global supply chain, Oceana is the world’s largest procurer of frozen pilchards. It is not constrained by localised catch availability, migration patterns or weather conditions. This ensures Lucky Star is able to keep its factories fully operational throughout the year to meet ever-growing demand. A commitment to positively impacting lives “Focused support for communities through our corporate social investment (CSI) initiatives is key to our commitment to positively impact lives. In delivering our social investments, we forge strong partnerships with communities, NGOs, NPOs, and the public sector. We focus on making sustainable and scale-able social investments through collaboration and flagship projects.” Oceana has also aligned its initiatives to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 2030 by providing support where most needed. Oceana’s response to natural and social disasters is a testament to their steadfast dedication to stepping up as a group and responding to community challenges when it matters most. Their intervention is critical in events when traditional support structures are overwhelmed or unprepared, requiring the group to step up. “It’s during these moments that we witness the true strength of a community coming together. We understand the importance of disaster relief and how critical timing and access can be – it’s about offering a helping hand, providing essential care and support, and ensuring that no one faces adversity alone. In times of need, our collective efforts make a profound impact, reinforcing our belief in the power of unity and compassion.” The Oceana Maritime Academy offers a diverse range of courses, spanning from essential seafaring skills to advanced management programmes in collaboration with a renowned business school. Their vision is to cultivate expertise within their staff and also throughout the broader fishing industry. Their mission is to foster a culture of empowerment and knowledge-sharing among all seafaring people through tailor-made programmes, with a particular focus on supporting small-scale fishers (SSF). “Our programmes and training stand as a testament to our unwavering commitment, not solely to education, but to the holistic betterment of our coastal communities, our oceans, and the individuals who rely on them.” Oceana’s range of Lucky Star products have become more than just a part of its brand; they are a symbol of hope and nourishment. Each can of pilchards represents a meal, a source of sustenance for someone in need as thousands of these cans are distributed to communities across South Africa. As one of the group executives aptly put it: “Our commitment to alleviate hunger and to positively impact lives remains our strength in changing the lives of those in need.” A legacy of investing in South Africa Oceana is committed to investing, retaining and creating jobs in the country, the Western Cape and particularly in the West Coast where the opportunities for both employment and business are even less. Thanks to its prudent cash and capital management the group has been able to invest in its business and create new jobs. This included investing up to R700 million in upgrades to factories and vessels to improve efficiencies, expand the Lucky Star brand, and take advantage of bolt-on acquisition opportunities. The new canned meat plant is the first investment of its kind on the West Coast in at least 20 years. This will enable the group to meet the increasing demand for affordable protein, including exports to the SADC region. As part of its legacy of empowerment the Oceana Group, through its Saam Sonke Trust, has distributed up to 7.8 million shares to its employees across various branches and entities, ensuring continued employee engagement and empowerment. A leader in promoting positive change The Oceana group has an excellent track record in black empowerment as indicated by the statistics. 85.04%
Discovery Green and Sasol launch Ampli Energy: A game-changer for South Africa’s renewable energy landscape
By Jessie Taylor A pioneering renewable energy platform designed to democratise access to green power for South African businesses has been launched. Discovery Green and Sasol unveiled platform Ampli Energy, in a joint venture that marks a significant stride towards inclusive energy solutions. The platform offers a flexible, month-to-month renewable energy product that eliminates traditional barriers such as high upfront costs and long-term contracts. A new era in South Africa’s energy sector Historically, access to renewable energy in South Africa has been limited to large-scale energy users capable of investing in on-site installations or negotiating complex power purchase agreements (PPAs). Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), non-governmental organisations, and mid-sized corporations often lacked the capital and infrastructure to participate in the green energy transition. Ampli Energy aims to bridge this gap by leveraging the national grid to deliver renewable energy through a process known as “wheeling.” This approach allows businesses to access green power without the need for additional infrastructure, enabling them to reduce carbon emissions and energy costs simultaneously. Key features of Ampli Energy Empowering South African businesses Sasol’s involvement brings over seven decades of expertise in energy production to the partnership. Notably, the Msenge Emoyeni Wind Farm in Bedford, Eastern Cape, a 69 MW project developed by the ACED-IDEAS-Reatile Consortium, serves as a primary source of renewable energy for Ampli Energy. This wind farm, one of the fastest constructed renewable energy projects in South Africa, began commercial operations in October 2024 and supplies electricity through the national grid to Sasol’s operations in Sasolburg, Free State. Discovery Green has signed a power purchase agreement with power producer Red Rocket to unlock the second phase of the 150 MW Overberg Wind Farm, located near Swellendam in the Western Cape. This project is expected to deliver over 489 GWh annually to Ampli Energy clients upon its full commercial operation in 2027. Ampli Energy’s innovative model has already attracted a diverse clientele, including global fast-casual dining chain Nando’s, online florist NetFlorist, automotive company Hatfield Motor Group, luggage and apparel manufacturer Sealand Gear, and NGOs such as Reach for a Dream and the Nelson Mandela Children’s Hospital. By providing accessible and affordable renewable energy solutions, Ampli Energy empowers these organisations to reduce their carbon footprints and operational costs, contributing to a more sustainable and resilient economy. The launch of Ampli Energy signifies a strategic shift in South Africa’s energy sector, with Sasol transitioning from being a major energy consumer to an aggregator and trader of renewable electrons. This move not only accelerates the country’s energy transition but also creates opportunities for smaller customers to access green energy. Ampli Energy represents a significant advancement in South Africa’s pursuit of a more inclusive and sustainable energy future. By removing traditional barriers to renewable energy access, this joint venture between Discovery Green and Sasol enables a broader spectrum of businesses to participate in the green economy. As South Africa continues to navigate its energy challenges, initiatives like Ampli Energy offer a scalable and adaptable model for integrating renewable energy into the national grid, fostering economic growth, and mitigating environmental impact. Sources: Daily Maverick | Sasol | Engineering News | Discovery Green | News24 | Business Tech
How to expand your companies’ social impact
By Sam Gqomo, Director, Womandla Global Network In today’s world, companies are increasingly recognising the importance of not only generating profit but also making a positive impact on society. As a social entrepreneur with extensive background in public relations and communications, I have dedicated my career to advocating for women and girls, leveraging various strategies to enhance social impact. Here are key strategies to assist companies expand their social impact: Building strong partnerships and stakeholder relationships One of the most effective ways to amplify social impact is through strategic partnerships and strong stakeholder relationships. Collaborating with NGOs, community organisations, and other businesses can create a synergistic effect, allowing for a broader reach and more significant impact. Here are some steps to consider: Identify common goals: Look for partners who share your company’s vision and objectives. This alignment will ensure a cohesive effort towards common goals. Engage stakeholders: Regularly engage with stakeholders to understand their needs, concerns, and aspirations. This can be achieved through surveys, town hall meetings, and one-on-one interactions. Leverage each other’s strengths: Utilise the unique strengths and resources of each partner. This could include sharing expertise, networks, and financial resources. Media and storytelling for advocacy These are powerful tools for advocacy and raising awareness about social issues. Effective communication can shape public perception and inspire action. Companies can use the following tactics: Craft compelling narratives: Develop stories that resonate with your audience, highlighting the human aspect of social issues. Personal stories of those affected can be particularly impactful. Engage with media outlets: Build relationships with journalists and media outlets to ensure coverage of your initiatives. Press releases, opinion pieces, and media kits can help in this regard. Use social media: Leverage social media platforms to share your stories, engage with your audience, and create a community around your cause. User-generated content and interactive campaigns can boost engagement. Integrating sustainability research in corporate communications Sustainability is a critical component of social impact. Companies can enhance their social impact by incorporating sustainability research into their corporate communications and marketing strategies. Consider the following: Conduct Thorough Research: Stay informed about the latest sustainability trends and research. This knowledge can guide your strategies and ensure they are grounded in current best practices. Transparent Reporting: Regularly report on your sustainability efforts and progress. Transparency builds trust and demonstrates your commitment to making a difference. Incorporate Sustainability into Branding: Highlight your sustainability initiatives in your branding and marketing materials. This not only differentiates your brand but also attracts customers who value social responsibility. Leveraging corporate communications for advocacy Corporate communications can be a powerful vehicle for advocacy. By integrating advocacy into your corporate communications strategy, you can amplify your impact the following ways: Advocacy campaigns: Develop and launch campaigns that address social issues relevant to your mission. Use these campaigns to educate, inform, and mobilise your audience. Employee advocacy: Encourage and empower your employees to be advocates for your cause. Provide them with the tools and resources they need to effectively communicate your message. Stakeholder collaboration: Work with stakeholders to amplify your advocacy efforts. Collaborative advocacy can lead to more substantial and lasting change. Expanding a company’s social impact requires a multifaceted approach that leverages partnerships, media, storytelling, and sustainability research. As a social entrepreneur, I have seen firsthand the power of these strategies in advocating for women and girls. By integrating these tactics into your corporate communications and marketing plans, your company can make a significant and lasting impact on society. Together, we can create a world where businesses not only thrive but also contribute positively to the communities they serve. Let us commit to expanding our social impact, one partnership, story, and sustainable practice at a time.
Africa’s renewable energy leaders: Looking towards an energy secure continent
By Jessie Taylor As the global community intensifies efforts to combat climate change, several African nations are emerging as frontrunners in renewable energy and green innovation. South Africa, Egypt, Nigeria, Morocco, and Kenya are at the forefront, implementing ambitious projects and policies to harness their abundant natural resources and drive sustainable development. Africa’s transition to renewable energy is not just a climate imperative—it’s an economic and social necessity. Over 600 million people in sub-Saharan Africa still lack access to electricity, accounting for 77% of the world’s unelectrified population, according to the International Energy Agency (IEA). Meanwhile, energy demand is expected to grow by 60% by 2040 as Africa’s population rapidly increases and urbanisation accelerates. Renewable energy offers a sustainable solution to meet this demand, especially as the continent holds immense potential: Africa receives 10 TW of solar radiation, has vast wind corridors, and has significant geothermal reserves. Harnessing just a fraction of this could dramatically improve living standards while reducing dependence on expensive fossil fuels and vulnerable energy imports. Additionally, renewable energy could create over nine million jobs by 2030, according to the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA), stimulating local economies and reducing poverty. As the global community pivots toward net-zero emissions, Africa has a chance to leapfrog to cleaner technologies, develop green industries, and ensure energy security for future generations. The time to act is now—and renewables are at the heart of that transformation. South Africa: Transitioning from coal to renewables South Africa, traditionally reliant on coal, is undergoing a significant energy transformation. The South African Renewable Energy Master Plan aims to deploy at least 3 GW of new renewable energy capacity annually, increasing to 5 GW by 2030. This initiative is expected to create approximately 25,000 jobs in the renewable energy and storage sectors. The country is also exploring green hydrogen production, leveraging its vast solar and wind resources. International partnerships, such as the European Union’s €4.7 billion investment, support South Africa’s transition to cleaner energy sources. Egypt: Harnessing solar and wind power Egypt is capitalising on its solar and wind potential to become a regional energy hub. The government aims to increase the share of renewables in its electricity mix to 42% by 2030. A notable project is the 1.1 GW Obelisk solar and 100 MW/200 MWh battery storage facility, currently under construction by Scatec ASA. Additionally, Egypt is positioning itself as a leader in green hydrogen production, with plans to produce green hydrogen for under two dollars per kilogram by 2030. The Suez Canal Economic Zone has been identified as a hub for green hydrogen development, attracting investments from companies like Siemens and Scatec. Nigeria: Expanding access through mini-grids Nigeria, Africa’s largest economy, faces challenges in electricity access, particularly in rural areas. To address this, the government has initiated projects to develop and operate 400 mini-grids and 50 MetroGrids across the country, aiming to improve electricity access for an estimated 1.5 to 2 million people. The country is also investing in solar home systems and hydropower projects, such as the Zungeru Hydropower Plant, to diversify its energy mix and reduce reliance on fossil fuels. Support from international organisations, including a planned $1 billion investment by the African Development Bank, is bolstering Nigeria’s renewable energy initiatives. Morocco: Advancing solar and green hydrogen projects Morocco has set an ambitious target to have renewables constitute 52% of its installed electricity capacity by 2030. The country is investing heavily in solar energy, with projects like the Noor Ouarzazate Solar Complex, one of the world’s largest concentrated solar power plants. In addition to solar, Morocco is focusing on green hydrogen, approving projects worth $32.5 billion. Partnerships with companies like TotalEnergies and Engie aim to produce ammonia from green hydrogen, positioning Morocco as a key player in the global green hydrogen market. Kenya: Leading in geothermal and off-grid solutions Kenya is a leader in geothermal energy, with facilities like the Olkaria I geothermal power plant contributing significantly to the national grid. The country aims to achieve 100% renewable energy by 2030, focusing on geothermal, wind, and solar power. Kenya is investing in off-grid solar solutions to address electricity access in remote areas. Initiatives like the Intersolar Summit Africa in Nairobi highlight the country’s commitment to advancing photovoltaic technologies and energy storage solutions. The efforts of South Africa, Egypt, Nigeria, Morocco, and Kenya underscore Africa’s potential to lead in renewable energy and green innovation. By leveraging their natural resources and implementing forward-thinking policies, these countries are addressing their energy needs and contributing to global sustainability goals. Sources: Africa Trade News | AP News | Reuters | IOL | AGBI | Africa Exponent | IEA | IRENA
Imtiaz Sooliman – Gift of the Givers: Practicing diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging on a global scale
By Fiona Wakelin “Best among people are those who benefit mankind” Early days Beginning his humanitarian work in Mozambique during the 1990s, Dr Imtiaz Sooliman raised significant funds in just five days to provide boreholes, medical supplies, and malaria medication for the country. His philanthropic work continued in Iraq and Bangladesh – and then the life-changing trip to Istanbul, Turkey, where he received an instruction from teacher Sufi Sheikh Muhammed Saffer Effendi al Jerrahi: “My son, you will form an organisation. The name will be Waqful Waqifin (the closest translation is ‘Gift of the Givers’). You will serve all people of all races, of all religions, of all colours, of all classes, of all political affiliations and of any geographical location. You will serve them unconditionally.” Imtiaz did not speak Turkish but understood the instruction. How was that possible? “When there is a meeting of hearts, language is not necessary.” After receiving this message from the spiritual leader, Imtiaz Sooliman, at the age of just 30, built the Gift of the Givers from humble beginnings into what has become the largest disaster response, non-governmental organisation of African origin on the African continent. He and the team live by the maxim: “Best among people are those who benefit mankind”. He established the organisation with family support – started in a small 12m² room with a fax machine. The first major project was during the Bosnian civil war in August 1992, delivering 32 containers of aid and creating the world’s first containerised mobile hospital in 1993, including surgery theaters, ICU, X-ray, and other medical units. CNN reported the mobile hospital as ‘equal to any of the best hospitals in Europe’. The dedicated team is committed to addressing crisis situations, showcasing innovative problem-solving and the importance of partnerships across sectors. We met at the Arabella Estate after a few months of planning – the Gift of the Givers are in big demand (not surprisingly) and it took a while for us to both be in the same province at the same time. The time flew by and it was so refreshing, and so easy to speak with this ego-free, quick, solutions-orientated, energetic, humanity-first human being. During our conversation he had 4 cell phones on the arm chair, all on silent. There are so many disasters happening all the time around the globe at any given time, I asked Imtiaz how they choose where to go – and where the funds come from: “If a country has hit something major, the head of state must come on world TV and announce they have a problem. Only then will we respond. But sometimes before he or she makes the statement and we hear about, say, a tsunami in Indonesia, an earthquake in Haiti, an earthquake in Nepal, a typhoon in the Philippines, I put my teams on standby. Usually Africa comes first. Money matters? “My spiritual teacher said, ‘You will never need to look for money. People will come to you. You’ll never have to ask for money.’ We never have to go to people to ask for funds. We have no need for fund raisers in our organisation. “Things just happen. Everything falls into place. The teacher said, ‘things will work out for you’ – and they do”. Knysna fire response and Cape Water crisis – diversity in action The Gift of the Givers responded to the 2017 Knysna fires with medical teams, food for firefighters, and essential supplies and set up a warehouse operation in the Checkers parking lot to coordinate massive aid distribution. This was diversity in action with teams of all backgrounds working together. They responded to the Western Cape water crisis by drilling 238 boreholes at a cost of R19-million, saving farming communities and livestock; and successfully navigated the flood response by coordinating multiple stakeholders, with partnerships across political parties, race, and class to reach isolated communities. CSI, ethics, economic philosophy and personal values We spoke about how Corporate Social Investment (CSI) is evolving from ‘ticking boxes’ to meaningful engagement and corporates in South Africa are developing a purposeful CSI focus: “CSI – we don’t just tick the box anymore. Now the CEOs call and ask for us to take them and their staff to be on site to see. To feel what it is like to be on the ground. Big companies like Sibanye-Stillwater, Bonitas, FNB, see first-hand where the CSI money is going. They feel the words of the people. “And we are growing. Now because we have got a new thing called virtual. They call you any time. On 31st December 2024, afterhours, the FNB guys called – ‘We’ve got all these fires in Cape Town. On the 2nd of January, the money will be in your account’. “ And when you think of COVID, the ethical business practices of keeping staff employed – ultimately benefitted the economy”. I had to ask about his take on the ramifications of the Trump administration withdrawing funding from Africa: “I am very happy about it. We should have cut ties long ago. We don’t need to have a begging bowl. We are self-sufficient and have the resources to manage our own needs. Companies are already calling to see how we can fill the gap. America is one country in the world. There are 199 others and we are about to sign an agreement with the Association of Southeast Asian Nations”. And what gives him joy? “The relief of suffering – a mother feeding a child, restoring sight to the blind – when a person has cataracts and they open and they can see. Or they can hear you because of a hearing aid. It’s priceless. Absolutely, absolutely priceless. “When I was in Somalia I saw a child who had been bed-ridden for 8 months and sepsis was creeping into the bone. Nobody could fix it. I brought my doctors from South Africa. They did the operation in 20 minutes. The father gets up and says, I like to appreciate you.
Five ways to green your home on a budget
By Jessie Taylor As homeowners battle rising energy costs and increasing power outages, many turn to energy solutions such as generators and inverters. While these may keep the lights running, they still come with a cost to the environment. Renewable energy, such as solar heating, may be more attractive for those seeking a greener solution to meet their home’s energy needs. But unfortunately, these alternatives can come with a price tag beyond the average homeowner’s budget. However, there are affordable options that every family can implement to make their home greener. Here are five ways to green your home on a budget: 1. Reduce your energy consumption There are several ways to reduce your energy consumption with minimal cost. This includes tricks such as fitting a timer or adding insulation to your geyser. You can also replace outdoor lighting with solar lights to reduce the energy you use and replace indoor light bulbs with energy-saving ones. If you have some budget, consider making a few strategic changes to your home, such as installing infrared heaters, which can save up to 50% on energy costs, or connecting a solar heat pump to your geyser. 2. Refit your home If you plan to renovate your home, it is the ideal time to include some greener choices. Consider using eco-friendly flooring like bamboo, which is becoming the go-to alternative for wooden floors. Also, consider improving your home’s insulation to reduce the amount you spend on heating your home in winter and cooling it in summer. One way to insulate your home is to include eco-friendly cellulose-fibre ceiling insulation. When repainting your home, change to low volatile organic compound (VOC) paints. VOC are some of the most harmful chemicals found in paint. Changing to low-VOC paint will reduce the number of contaminants in the ozone layer, groundwater and landfills, and it also has less toxic emissions and less impact on air quality. 3. Become water wise South Africa is a water scarce country and every drop of water you can save at home counts. Fortunately, there are a few affordable ways to save water in your home. You may consider a solution for your toilet that only allows flushing when the toilet handle is held down, which is easy to add to your existing cistern. You could also invest in water-efficient shower heads in your bathrooms. If you have a budget, you could also invest in a greywater system or rain tank. Rainwater tanks are an excellent alternative for watering gardens, and with the inclusion of a cleaning device, they could even be used to supply water to your swimming pool or taps. Greywater systems can divert water from your bath, shower or basin for irrigation. These systems could reduce your water bill by a third. 4. Reduce your waste There are affordable ways to reduce your impact on the planet by reducing the amount of waste your home generates. The most effortless change is using environmentally friendly detergents, dishwashing liquid and washing powder. You can also reduce your waste through recycling. Numerous companies will collect and sort your recyclable waste, but you can also sort them yourself and drop them at your local municipal depot. Food waste is another area where you can easily make affordable changes. Consider starting a worm farm at home to generate compost for your garden. Not only will your plants thank you, but you will also be part of diverting a fifth of all the waste that goes into landfill sites. 5. Green gardening Gardens are an area that can significantly make your home more environmentally friendly. A garden helps purify the air, reduce noise pollution, and cool your home in summer. You can set aside space for a vegetable garden, which will help reduce your food bill at the end of the month. In addition, using indigenous plants reduces your water usage and provides a home for indigenous insects and birds. If you’ve got some funds set aside, consider investing in a natural pond to ensure your garden has a vibrant ecosystem of dragonflies, toads and other wildlife. Some great solar options of filters and aerators will ensure you don’t increase your electricity bill. Sources: IOL | Private Property | Reman
The ESG balancing act
By Topco Marketing Achieving balance across the three pillars of ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) is a complex challenge that many organisations face. Implementing an ESG strategy can be daunting, especially when considering the various hurdles that must be overcome. There are several reasons why ESG implementation can be difficult: According to a LinkedIn survey conducted by Kaizen Institute in 2024, 40% of respondents prioritise the Environmental Pillar of ESG, often overshadowing social and governance aspects. To achieve true balance, organisations must adopt a holistic approach that integrates sustainability into every aspect of the business. So, how can organisations overcome common ESG challenges and achieve success? Despite these challenges, there are several strategies that businesses can employ to overcome them: Join the conversation The Future of Sustainability Conference hosted at Emperors Palace in Johannesburg, is a must-attend event for professionals and stakeholders across industries focused on sustainability, innovation, and transformation. Set to take place on 26 and 27 March 2025, the event promises to foster rich dialogue, inspire actionable insights, and spark collaborations that will shape the future of Africa’s sustainable development. Join us to learn how to: The Future of Sustainability conference: Where connections meet innovation Our conference is the perfect platform to connect with organisations and individuals who share your passion for sustainability. Join us to: Top speakers to watch We are proud to announce an exceptional lineup of keynote speakers and panellists, each with unique expertise and a shared vision for Africa’s sustainable future: Key topics and panel discussions This year’s conference will feature high-impact panel discussions tackling the most critical issues surrounding Africa’s sustainability journey. Expect thought-provoking conversations on: Have a look at the programme here and the event fact sheet here. Thank you to our gold partner, Heineken Beverages South Africa; our premium digital partner, iME; our silver partner, Old Mutual Insure; our bronze partners, Nestlé, Nespresso, Dell Technologies/Intel and Isanti Glass; and our showcase counter partner, AECI. A special thank you to our knowledge partner, The Carbon Trust, and strategic partners: UN Global Compact Network South Africa, Good Governance Africa, GreenCape, and Primedia Out of Home. Don’t let ESG scare you! Partnering and collaborating with other organisations might be your solution. 🌱 Register now Secure your spot at the Future of Sustainability Conference and start driving ESG success through effective communication, collaboration, and connection. Ticket link: https://qkt.io/FOS2025 For more information go to the Future of Sustainability website Invoices are available upon request from marketing@topco.co.za
Why frontliners are the key to your organisation’s success
By Tom Marsicano, CEO of ‘and Change’ Frontline workers and managers are the backbone of any institution. The people who offer your services to customers reflect your organisation’s internal state of affairs. Therefore, their careers and happiness are core to your success, and their buy-in is the key to effecting positive organisational change. Organisations worldwide must manage extreme change, especially in the face of the so-called ‘polycrisis’ – a term coined by the World Economic Forum describing the ongoing global crises affecting our lives. From economic depressions to global conflicts, many institutions are treading water, hoping to maintain their development while keeping their workers’ happiness intact. This circumstance is especially true in South Africa, where we must deal with compounding factors like inflation, crumbling infrastructure, and brain drains. Frontline workers are usually the first to experience significant organisational changes, from restructuring to implementing new systems or determining new ways of working. The most successful of these front liners can see these changes as an opportunity, not a threat. Yet developing that mindset does require training, supportive management, and reasoning from leaders to ensure the change is fully understood – a vital process in avoiding resistance to the change. These are all critical elements of change management, and the risk of not seriously taking change resistance is evident when you consider that 70% of organisational transformation efforts fail without proper employee buy-in. So, what can those of us across an organisation do to ensure that frontline workers are ready and willing to embrace change? Implement change management principles across the organisation, from executives to frontline managers to workers on the ground – the change value chain. Frontline managers From their relationship dynamics with their teams to their dual role as both recipients and agents of change, team leaders are essential to managing the current seismic shifts organisations are facing. Research from Prosci, and on-the-ground experience tells us that there are multiple vital activities that frontline managers must perform in times of change: Senior executives/sponsors As those giving permission and approving funding for the change, top-level leaders of an organisation also have an essential role in giving frontline managers the support they need: The frontline workers themselves Much of the change management work should be conducted by organisational leaders, and ambitious workers on the frontline can leverage the change to showcase their leadership abilities. In our consulting experience, we’ve seen how successful organisation-wide training can be. One of our clients in the FMCG (fast-moving consumer goods) sector was implementing an entirely new distribution process for their products and decided to train their distribution units at the ground level in change management skill sets. The adoption of the new system was rapid, and this not only empowered workers across the business but also dramatically heightened efficiency. We advise our clients always to acknowledge the frontline experience. However, one must go beyond simple verbal recognition and follow through with action to ensure their lives and careers are positively affected by the change – especially in these difficult times. Sources: WEF | Business Tech | Forbes | Prosci