National Business Initiative

TLS: The Task Force On Climate Related Financial Disclosures (TCFD) and Transition Risk - Cape Town
2019-05-22 09:00 - 13:00 (Africa/Johannesburg)
Since its publication in 2017, the recommendations of the Task Force on Climate Related Financial Disclosures (TCFD) have attracted significant local and international interest, with their recommendations incorporated into key disclosure platforms. The Task Force’s recommendations represent a significant step in enabling markets to support the transition to a low-carbon economy, by identifying the information needed to appropriately assess and price climate-related risks and opportunities. The National Business Initiative (NBI) and University of Stellenbosch Business School (USB) are hosting a half-day roundtable focused on: an introduction to TCFD and transition risk, the implications of the TCFD’s recommendations for South African organisations and their key stakeholders, current company approaches as well as practices and future engagement; and work areas in relation to TCFD. Kindly click here to RSVP. For NBI member companies only.

Unlocking National Water Investment - Kopano ya Metsi Launch: Cape Town
2019-05-14 14:00 - 16:00
Over a period of 18 months, the NBI’s Kopano ya Metsi project has engaged with hundreds of water experts in South Africa to understand how we unlock national water investment. Please join us as we launch the project findings in Johannesburg where we will discuss: where the main opportunities for private sector involvement lie, the key barriers to Public Private Partnerships (PPPs) and how these can be addressed, how municipal water management can be strengthened; and the future of water ﬁnancing in South Africa. The Cape Town launch will be taking place next week on Tuesday, during African Utility Week. RSVP here.

Creating a Culture of Inclusion Innovation Working Group
2019-04-16 12:00 - 16:00
The National Business Initiative (NBI) invites you to participate in the innovation working group focused on creating a culture of inclusion and belonging, which is interested in how organisations unlock value and innovation through improving representation and diversity.
The Innovation Working Group aims to create a space where member companies can build innovative and collaborative approaches to transformation challenges that will ensure diverse and productive workforces with improved retention.
The objectives of the working group are to:

Share and learn approaches and strategies across sectors and industries;
Introduce new and different perspectives to stimulate thinking;
Create innovative solutions and actions;
Collectively test and scale innovative solutions; and
Develop content and stories on businesses’ contribution.

This Group meets quarterly to continuously build on and develop approaches to solving these challenges.
Kindly click here to RSVP.

NBI Membership Council Meeting April 2019
2019-04-10 14:00 - 16:30
The National Business Initiative (NBI) wishes to notify you of the upcoming Membership Council Meeting scheduled to take place on Wednesday, 10 April 2019, from 13:30 for 14:00 to 16:30. Please note that at this meeting, given that the current NBI Board term comes to an end in April, a new Board is to be appointed. We will also report back on the NBI’s impact over the last year and an exciting keynote input. Please contact: Jo-Anne Stanford for further details.

Roundtable: Understanding the Gender Pay-Gap in South Africa
2019-03-08 13:00 - 15:00 | Brian-2-1
The National Business Initiative (NBI) is hosting a roundtable discussion to unpack the gender pay-gap in South African workplaces. It is estimated that women in South Africa earn 23% less than men. The gender pay-gap reinforces inequality in the most unequal society in the world. Given that most South African households are headed by women, the pay-gap between men and women has far-reaching consequences, including in the workplace. Companies can unlock higher levels of productivity, morale and retention by taking active steps to address the gender-pay gap.
This roundtable is aimed at human resources, sustainability and transformation professionals. Points of discussion will include:

The Motherhood Penalty
Religion, Culture and Education as Drivers of Inequality
The Evolution of the “Boys Club”
Women in Management: Gatekeepers or Trailblazers?

This roundtable discussion is an integral part of a gender pay-gap study that forms part of the Presidential Jobs Summit Framework Agreement. The aim of the study is to develop a methodology for standardized and simplified calculation of the gender pay-gap in South Africa, with the goal of addressing and improving pay disparities
The aim of the roundtable and gender pay-gap study is for organisations to begin to unpack and understand the complex nature gender equity manifests within the workplace and the implications it has on our economy and society.
Click here to RSVP.

Kopano ya Metsi: Municipal Wastewater Treatment and Reuse Roundtable
2019-03-01 10:00 - 13:30
The National Business Initiative (NBI) and South African Local Government Association (SALGA) invite are hosting an expert roundtable on how we transform the wastewater sector in South Africa into an economic success story. The roundtable will focus on understanding how wastewater can be tackled in a system-wide approach, and how we can build on our existing efforts. The session will be limited to key role-players in the water, wastewater and municipal space. Please contact Mmaphefo Twala for further details: MmaphefoT@nbi.org.za

NBI/Brand South Africa: An Investor’s Perspective on South Africa’s Investment Context
2019-02-27 10:00 - 12:30
The events of 2018 cemented the year as one of reckoning both locally and globally. Geopolitical and global dynamics continued to point towards increasing global uncertainty as a result of brewing trade wars, Brexit, increased trade protectionism and challenges to global free trade. These trends of uncertainty, self-interest and greed played out locally in the form of the insidious elements of state capture and corporate fraud.
If the previous year was for reckoning, 2019 is predicted to be one of reflection as various institutions galvanise support for scaled up efforts to move the economy forward. It is in this spirit that the National Business Initiative (NBI) and Brand South Africa invite you to a jointly-hosted event to consider in depth South Africa’s investment projections given the current state of the country.
Please join us for this engagement as we explore and take stock of the economy through the eyes of the investor and to gather information on the on-the-ground experiences of doing business in South Africa. Brand South Africa will share findings from its International Investor Perceptions Research and the implications thereof for the South African business community. The Nation Brand Performance, a product curated by Brand South Africa, will provide rich content on industry highlights from 2018 and industry prospects for 2019.
RSVP here.

Thought Leadership Series: Cop24 Feedback - Key Outcomes Agreed at the UN Climate Talks in Katowice, Poland
2019-02-13 12:00 - 14:00 | Kopano ya metsi
This session will unpack the meaning and significance of COP24, both globally and for South African business, focusing on the following key questions: What are the key outcomes of COP24? What are the implications of the Paris Rulebook for business, and in particular, for South African companies? What does the science say and are we getting there? What is the economic opportunity of bold climate action through We Mean Business? We will also showcase our Augmented Reality Infographic which demonstrates the impact of climate change in South Africa. If you are an NBI member company and would like to attend this session, please RSVP here.

Thought Leadership Series - The 4th Industrial Revolution and The Future of Work in South Africa
2018-11-28 14:00 - 16:30
The National Business Initiative (NBI) and Adcorp, are hosting the fourth in a series of thought leadership dialogues that have begun to explore the 4th Industrial Revolution from the perspective of what it might mean for our economy and how we can engage with it to create new opportunities and jobs that support the vision of the National Development Plan (NDP) and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The final dialogue for 2018 will focus on the role and impact of the Future of Work and the 4th Industrial Revolution on youth. Please click here to RSVP if you are an NBI member company.

Sharing the Transformation Vision of a Just and Equal South Africa - Cape Town
2018-11-16 10:30 - 12:30
Over the past six months, the NBI has worked collectively with our member companies to critically reflect on transformation in South Africa. The programme aims to meaningfully contribute to the corporate sector’s transformation journey – in a way that goes beyond compliance. Instead, it is about contributing in a deep and meaningful way to eradicate discrimination, inequity and inequality and in so doing building social cohesion, common purpose and harmonious relationships in the workplace as well as between business and the broader society.
The process and outcomes of this engagement have been consolidated in a concise report, which also highlights the themes that will guide the work going forward. This event will share these outcomes and detail the way forward.

Join us for an open and engaging dialogue and to learn more about how you can be involved in creating a more inclusive and equal South Africa. RSVP here.

Thought Leadership Series: Global Insights for Strengthened Water and Climate Action – Cape Town
2018-11-08 13:00 - 15:00
World Water Week, Climate Week New York and the Global Climate Action Summit represent three of the major global dialogues on sustainability held in 2018. Join us as we discuss the key issues raised at each conference and their relevance for company practice and the strengthening of local action. Against this global backdrop, updates and insights will be shared from our local collective action partnerships between industry, government and civil society, including the uMhlathuze Water Stewardship Partnership and the Western Cape Water Task Force. Finally, our Durban seminar will conclude with an introduction to the Task Force on Climate-related Financial Disclosures (TCFD) and its implications for South African companies. Click on the following link if you are an NBI Member company and would like to attend this session: Cape Town: Thursday, 8 November 2018 – Southern Sun Waterfront.

The Future of Work and the 4th Industrial Revolution - Johannesburg
2018-11-07 14:00 - 16:30
The National Business Initiative (NBI) and Adcorp, are delighted to invite you to the third and fourth of a series of thought leadership dialogues that have begun to explore the 4th Industrial Revolution from the perspective of what it might mean for our economy and how we can engage with it to create new opportunities and jobs that support the vision of the National Development Plan (NDP) and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Please click here if you are an NBI member company and wish to attend this dialogue.

Thought Leadership Series: Global Insights for Strengthened Water and Climate Action – Johannesburg
2018-11-05 13:00 - 15:00
World Water Week, Climate Week New York and the Global Climate Action Summit represent three of the major global dialogues on sustainability held in 2018. Join us as we discuss the key issues raised at each conference and their relevance for company practice and the strengthening of local action. Against this global backdrop, updates and insights will be shared from our local collective action partnerships between industry, government and civil society, including the uMhlathuze Water Stewardship Partnership and the Western Cape Water Task Force. Finally, our Durban seminar will conclude with an introduction to the Task Force on Climate-related Financial Disclosures (TCFD) and its implications for South African companies. Click on the following link if you are an NBI Member company and would like to attend this session: Johannesburg: Monday, 5 November 2018 – FutureSpace, Sandton

Thought Leadership Series: Global Insights for Strengthened Water and Climate Action – Durban
2018-10-30 13:00 - 16:00
World Water Week, Climate Week New York and the Global Climate Action Summit represent three of the major global dialogues on sustainability held in 2018. Join us as we discuss the key issues raised at each conference and their relevance for company practice and the strengthening of local action. Against this global backdrop, updates and insights will be shared from our local collective action partnerships between industry, government and civil society, including the uMhlathuze Water Stewardship Partnership and the Western Cape Water Task Force. Finally, our Durban seminar will conclude with an introduction to the Task Force on Climate-related Financial Disclosures (TCFD) and its implications for South African companies. Click on the relevant link if you are an NBI Member company and would like to attend one of these sessions. Durban: Tuesday, 30 October 2018 – Garden Court Umhlanga.

Sharing the Transformation Vision of a Just and Equal South Africa
2018-10-26 13:00 - 15:00
Over the past six months, the NBI has worked collectively with our member companies to critically reflect on transformation in South Africa. The programme aims to meaningfully contribute to the corporate sector’s transformation journey – in a way that goes beyond compliance. Instead, it is about contributing in a deep and meaningful way to eradicate discrimination, inequity and inequality and in so doing building social cohesion, common purpose and harmonious relationships in the workplace as well as between business and the broader society. The process and outcomes of this engagement have been consolidated in a concise report, which also highlights the themes that will guide the work going forward. This event will share these outcomes and detail the way forward.
Please contact: Khule Duma should you wish to attend this session or for further details on NBI’s Transformation Programme.

Consultation on the Second Biennial Report on Climate Change Research and Development
2018-10-16 13:00 - 15:00
The National Government Performance Management Framework requires the Department of Science and Technology (DST) and the Department of Environmental Affairs (DEA) are jointly conducting an assessment of climate change research and development in South Africa every two years, for reporting to Cabinet. The second assessment is currently underway. Join us in understanding and influencing the national research and development agenda on climate change. The purpose of the assessment is to help ensure that South Africa has the necessary knowledge, skills, technologies and capacities to thrive in the 21st century, with all its changes and uncertainties. You are encouraged to participate in this assessment by attending the consultation on the 16th of October 2018. For more information please contact: Nadia Algera or Verushka Singh and click here to RSVP.

Agile Response to Disruptive Forces
2018-10-16 09:30 - 11:30
The South African Energy Association (SANEA) and the National Business Initiative (NBI) are hosting a joint workshop to do a deep dive on the pivot risk on agile responses to disruptive forces. This risk has been defined as “Agile response to rapidly changing technological, market, social and environmental drivers and trends leading to modified business models and markets”. The workshop will be attended by Energy Experts Group set up by SANEA to provide input into the 2019 report. If you are an NBI member company, we invite you to be a part of this process by preparing some thoughts to this risk and attending the workshop. Enquiries can be directed to: Verushka Singh or please click here to RSVP.

Green Skills Colloquium Event
2018-10-09 12:00 - 14:00
JET Education Services, in collaboration with the National Business Initiative (NBI) and Harambee Youth Employment Accelerator, is convening a Green Skills Colloquium to support the development of the skills pipeline and strengthen the pathways for youth in the Green Economy. The Colloquium is being convened under the auspices of the New Skills for Youth (NS4Y) programme of the JP Morgan Chase Foundation, and forms part of the shared objective of the convening organisations to find scalable solutions to the challenge of youth unemployment. This colloquium operates within an emerging social compact around job creation through the work of JET, Harambee and the NBI in strengthening youth pathways to employment. The Installation, Repair and Maintenance (IRM) Initiative, being led by Harambee in partnership with the NBI, is a broad partnership which seeks to achieve employment and self-employment opportunities for 7,500 youth over the next three years, including in the Green Economy. RSVP TO GREEN SKILLS COLLOQUIUM.

Our Energy Context and the Energy Efficiency Guide Launch
2018-10-01 12:00 - 13:30
The National Business Initiative (NBI) in partnership with Nedbank and Carbon Trust is hosting the launch of The Energy Efficiency Guide. This is a practical guide for improved business competiveness through energy efficiency and energy management. We will explore the macroeconomic energy environment in South Africa with Nedbank’s Chief Economist, Dennis Dykes, illustrate the NBI’s plan for energy and energy efficiency over the next year, and introduce a practical guide to energy efficiency produced by Nedbank, NBI and Carbon Trust. Enquiries can be directed to: Verushka Singh or click here should you wish to attend this launch.

Roadshow: Aligning the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) To Business Strategy – Johannesburg
2018-09-28 09:00 - 16:00 | Kopano ya metsi
In response to social, economic and environmental pressures, a growing group of forward looking companies and sectors have begun to align their strategies and core business processes with the SDGs to manage risk and find new business opportunities. These companies also recognise that social, economic, and environmental stability and well-being are central to business sustainability. Those that can demonstrate their commitment and contribution towards the achievement of the SDGs increase their chances of remaining relevant and competitive in future. Join us at our interactive and informative SDG Roadshow designed to help you identify the strong business case for adopting and aligning your company’s strategy and core business activities to the SDGs by clicking on the following link: Johannesburg – Friday, 28 September 2018. Should you require further information, please contact: Geeta Morar.

Roadshow: Aligning the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) To Business Strategy - Cape Town
2018-09-27 09:00 - 16:00
In response to social, economic and environmental pressures, a growing group of forward looking companies and sectors have begun to align their strategies and core business processes with the SDGs to manage risk and find new business opportunities. These companies also recognise that social, economic, and environmental stability and well-being are central to business sustainability. Those that can demonstrate their commitment and contribution towards the achievement of the SDGs increase their chances of remaining relevant and competitive in future. Join us at our interactive and informative SDG Roadshow designed to help you identify the strong business case for adopting and aligning your company’s strategy and core business activities to the SDGs by clicking on the following link: Cape Town – Thursday, 27 September 2018. Should you require further information, please contact: Geeta Morar.

Roadshow: Aligning the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) To Business Strategy – KZN
2018-09-26 09:00 - 16:00
In response to social, economic and environmental pressures, a growing group of forward looking companies and sectors have begun to align their strategies and core business processes with the SDGs to manage risk and find new business opportunities. These companies also recognise that social, economic, and environmental stability and well-being are central to business sustainability. Those that can demonstrate their commitment and contribution towards the achievement of the SDGs increase their chances of remaining relevant and competitive in future. Join us at our interactive and informative SDG Roadshow designed to help you identify the strong business case for adopting and aligning your company’s strategy and core business activities to the SDGs by clicking on the following link: Durban – Wednesday, 26 September 2018. Should you require further information, please contact: Geeta Morar.

Thought Leadership Series: South Africa’s Draft Integrated Resource Plan 2018
2018-09-20 11:00 - 13:00
The draft Integrated Resource Plan 2018 (IRP) was released for public comment on the 27th of August 2018. Stakeholders are invited to submit written comments within 60 days of release. The draft IRP maps out how Government intends to manage electricity demand up until 2030. Companies spend a significant portion on electricity each year, and this is an opportunity to engage on the energy mix of the South African electricity sector, instead of considering electricity as merely a cost to be managed. It is extremely positive that Government is willing to engage with the public for input on the IRP. The National Business Initiative (NBI) would like to enable a broader capacity amongst business to engage in political processes on the energy transition and to do this, we will be hosting an IRP event for NBI Member Companies. RSVP by clicking here.

Strengthening the Capacity of TVET Colleges to Deliver Green Skills: Enabling Youth Transitions into the Green Economy
2018-09-18 12:00 - 14:00 | ERM
The South African Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) colleges have the potential to deliver at scale, innovative programmes that respond to industry needs. However, to realise this potential fully, colleges and industry must find new and meaningful ways in which to work together to prepare youth for the ever-changing world of work. In the past few years, the National Business Initiative (NBI) and its partners: Harambee Youth Employment Accelerator, Central Johannesburg College, the Nedbank Foundation’s Eyethu Community Trust and the Institute of Plumbing South Africa, have invested resources and expertise to inform the development of a TVET college intervention for Green Skills underpinned by quality, responsiveness to industry demand and enhancing youth employability.The NBI together with its partners are hosting to a Thought Leadership Session (TLS) which will include a panel, comprising representatives from: TVET colleges, companies, an industry body and candidates who took part in the project, who will share their reflections at this TLS. Please RSVP here should you wish to attend this session.

Lunch with Cas Coovadia – Making Land, Rand and Sense of South Africa (KZN)
2018-09-12 12:00 - 14:00
An invitation to an intimate reflection on recent developments in the country over lunch with Cas Coovadia (Chairman, The Banking Association of South Africa), Xolani Magojo (Chairperson, NBI KZN Regional Advisory Committee) and Joanne Yawitch (CEO: The National Business Initiative).
We invite you to join us to reflect on recent developments in the country and make sense of what these mean for business in the short to medium-term. The 1H2018 started off under a romantic haze of nostalgia following leadership change within the ruling party.
Be that as it may, challenges facing the country abound: inequality, unemployment and poverty levels remain stubbornly high. We are also not addressing, in a way that produces results, the low levels of investment and economic growth, which are critical to addressing inequality, poverty and unemployment. The fresh attack on emerging market currencies including the Rand, imminent legislative changes on land ownership and the approaching national elections continue to collectively nurture uncomfortable levels of market insecurity.
In spite of the outlook, the NBI stands firm in the belief that business has a strong and meaningful role to play in successfully steering and influencing the country through choppy waters. Join Cas, Xolani and Joanne and a select group of KwaZulu-Natal business people for an intimate and stimulating discussion on emergent political and economic trends, and what these mean for business in the region.
Please note that this is a by invitation only event.

Information Session on Initiative to Expand Labour Market Opportunities for Youth in Technical Fields
2018-08-29 12:00 - 14:00 | Kopano ya metsi
South African youths continue to face a number of challenges in their attempts to make a successful transition to the labour market. Those who embark on technical pathways have limited options in the post-school learning environment and their access to workplace learning opportunities, is severely restricted.
The National Business Initiative (NBI) and Harambee Youth Employment Accelerator, together with Government and implementing partners, have established an Initiative to facilitate entry pathways into technical occupations for large numbers of youths who show potential, but face numerous barriers. The Initiative will seek to unlock entry level opportunities in the areas of Installation, Repair and Maintenance (IRM) across a range of sectors.
The programme will act as a catalyst for scaling up demand for IRM skills and work together with employer associations, Technical and Vocational Education and Training Colleges and training providers to bridge the technical skills and work readiness gaps and place candidates in appropriate, on the job training. Through innovative models of delivery, the programme will assist employers to optimise their talent pipeline while contributing to the development of effective and sustainable employment in IRM occupations.
The NBI and Harambee are hosting an information session which will:

Introduce the IRM Initiative and illustrate how employers can benefit.
Outline the strategy for expanding and sustaining these technical pathways over the next 3 years.

Click here to ACCEPT.

Business and Government COP24 Partnership: Showcasing South African Business Leadership and Good Practice - Durban
2018-08-03 08:00 - 13:00 | Teams
National Business Initiative (NBI) invites you to pursue the opportunity of having your company’s climate stewardship promoted at COP24 in Katowice, Poland. We invite you to participate in the 2018 South African Exhibition building on the excellent outcome of last year’s efforts. We would also like to inform you about the Talanoa Dialogues and give you the opportunity to participate in the South African process. The Talanoa Dialogue represents an opening up of the UN Climate Negotiations because non-state actors are able to actively participate and submit their ideas for how national governments can improve their emission reduction targets. If you an NBI Member company and would like to attend the Durban roadshow then please click on the following link to RSVP: Durban – Friday, 3 August 2018.

Business and Government COP24 Partnership: Showcasing South African Business Leadership and Good Practice - Johannesburg
2018-08-02 11:00 - 13:00
The National Business Initiative (NBI) invites you to pursue the opportunity of having your company’s climate stewardship promoted at COP24 in Katowice, Poland. We invite you to participate in the 2018 South African Exhibition building on the excellent outcome of last year’s efforts. We would also like to inform you about the Talanoa Dialogues and give you the opportunity to participate in the South African process. The Talanoa Dialogue represents an opening up of the UN Climate Negotiations because non-state actors are able to actively participate and submit their ideas for how national governments can improve their emission reduction targets. If you an NBI Member company and would like to attend the JOhannesburg roadshow then please click on the following link: Johannesburg – Thursday, 2 August 2018.

Business and Government COP24 Partnership: Showcasing South African Business Leadership and Good Practice - Cape Town
2018-08-01 11:00 - 13:00
The National Business Initiative (NBI) invites you to pursue the opportunity of having your company’s climate stewardship promoted at COP24 in Katowice, Poland. We invite you to participate in the 2018 South African Exhibition building on the excellent outcome of last year’s efforts. We would also like to inform you about the Talanoa Dialogues and give you the opportunity to participate in the South African process. The Talanoa Dialogue represents an opening up of the UN Climate Negotiations because non-state actors are able to actively participate and submit their ideas for how national governments can improve their emission reduction targets. If you an NBI Member company and would like to attend the Cape Town roadshow then please click on the following link to RSVP: Cape Town – Wednesday, 1 August 2018.

Creating a vision of an equal and just South Africa - Workshop 2 in Johannesburg
2018-07-13 09:00 - 16:00 | Brian-2-1
If you are an NBI member company we invite you to join us in collectively crafting a vision of a South Africa where business has transformed by meaningfully and actively addressing inequality and inequity through its value chain to create a thriving society. Over the past few months the National Business Initiative (NBI) and its members have collaboratively worked towards creating a vision for an equal and just South Africa via a number of national workshops. Through in-depth discussion and critical reflection, the workshops have highlighted key barriers to achieving transformation and social cohesion and have identified areas of focus to reduce these barriers and drive inclusion. For further information please contact Gugu Mclaren-Ushewokunze or click here to RSVP.
