Get Started

Tag: Sustainability

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.

Award-winning impact: Oceana Group, Top Empowered Business of the Year

Award-winning impact: Oceana Group

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

Discovery Green And Ampli Energy

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