National Business Initiative

The Business of Adaptation - Johannesburg
2017-06-20 09:00 - 13:00 (Africa/Johannesburg)
A framework for businesses to act on, enable and influence climate resilience. Co-hosted by BSR, The NBI and Kudos Africa. Click on the link should you wish to attend this session: RSVP Johannesburg, 20 June 2017.

A Study on Work Integrated Learning: Dissemination of the Findings - Cape Town
2017-05-31 10:00 - 12:00
In July 2016, the National Business Initiative (NBI) on behalf of the Education and Skills Task Team, which forms part of the Presidential Business Working Group, conducted research into the opportunities and blockages relating to the implementation of effective workplace-based learning (WBL) across the South African economy.
The research sought to understand the practical implications of WBL for employers; and find ways in which to support the employability of learners who proceed through different forms of WBL.
The NBI is hosting a Thought Leadership Dialogue to discuss the findings of this research.

A Study on Work Integrated Learning: Dissemination of the Findings - Johannesburg
2017-05-17 12:00 - 14:00

2017 Membership Council Meeting
2017-05-16 10:30 - 12:30
The National Business Initiative (NBI) wishes to notify you of the upcoming Membership Council Meeting scheduled to take place on Tuesday, 16 May 2017 from 10:00 for 10:30 to 12:30.
Kindly note that this is an important meeting as there are two NBI Board positions up for election which will require member ratification as per the NBI’s Memorandum of Incorporation.

Workshop: Business Partnering with Local Government - Cape Town
2017-04-12 09:30 - 14:30
The success of local government is the success of all South Africans. There can be no effective social transformation and economic transition in South Africa without a strong role played by municipalities.
Local government is a key sphere of government, responsible for a range of service delivery areas that interface directly with companies, their employees and communities. Building on existing initiatives by the private sector to support municipalities and enhance service delivery is key to ensuring a resilient and productive society. This workshop, implemented by the National Business Initiative (NBI) under the NDP Business Action Plan, will examine how the private sector is already working in partnership with local government and identify how these efforts can be strengthened.
Please contact Sindi Dlamini for more information.

Workshop: Business Partnering with Local Government - Johannesburg
2017-04-07 09:30 - 14:30 | Kopano ya metsi
The success of local government is the key to success of all South Africans. There can be no effective social transformation and economic transition in South Africa without a strong role played by municipalities.
Local government is a key sphere of government, responsible for a range of service delivery areas that interface directly with companies, their employees and communities. Building on existing initiatives by the private sector to support municipalities and enhance service delivery is key to ensuring a resilient and productive society. This workshop, implemented by the National Business Initiative (NBI) under the NDP Business Action Plan, will examine how the private sector is already working in partnership with local government and identify how these efforts can be strengthened.
Please contact Sindi Dlamini for further information.

Climate Change Adaptation Workshop: Managing Climate-related Business
2017-04-05 09:30 - 15:00
The National Business Initiative (NBI), in partnership with the Global Change Institute (GCI) is hosting an exclusive workshop on the application of climate change information for adaptation, and its relevance for businesses in South Africa at the University of Witwatersrand,

Roundtable for Social and Ethics Committee Members of Company Boards
2017-04-04 10:00 - 13:00
By April 2012, boards of designated companies were expected to have set up Social and Ethics Committees, with a mandate to report back to shareholders annually on the company’s performance on a range of social, governance and environmental responsibilities. This is in accordance with section 72 (4) of the Companies Act 71 0f 2008.
Five years since the Regulation became effective, it is under review by the Department of Trade and Industry. One recurring issue for many companies and for the Regulator, is how to enable the Committee to be more effective in driving value for the Company and for society more broadly.
The Roundtable will bring together Social & Ethics Committee members of company boards for exchange of knowledge and experiences. Please contact Achieng Ojwang for further information.

Applying a Science-based Target methodology in the South African context - Pretoria
2017-03-30 09:00 - 12:00
The National Business Initiative (NBI), in partnership with We Mean Business (WMB), is hosting an exclusive seminar for members only, intent on exploring the local application of The Sectoral Decarbonisation Approach in South Africa. In our discussion with local companies and international partners it seems that the Sectoral Decarbonisation Approach is the most appropriate method for setting science-based greenhouse gas emission reduction targets for most companies in South Africa. Applying this methodology in South Africa will provide a useful indication of the ambition of company-level targets. It would also be useful to further investigate how this methodology translates into the South African economic and regulatory context. Please contact Naseema Elias for further information.

Annual Members Meeting of Global Compact Network SA
2017-03-28 10:00 - 13:00
The Global Compact Network South Africa and the National Business Initiative (NBI) are hosting the Annual Members Meeting of Global Compact participants in South Africa. The meeting brings together all existing signatories, partners and companies that are interested in integrating the UNGC 10 Principles and Sustainable Development Goals into core corporate strategy.
Please contact Achieng Ojwang for further information.

Applying a Science-based Target methodology in the South African context - Cape Town
2017-03-23 13:30 - 16:00

CDP Climate Change and Water Workshop 2017 – Johannesburg
2017-03-17 09:30 - 11:30 | NBI Events 2020
The CDP workshops will provide companies with feedback on key outcomes from the 2016 CDP reporting round and give companies an update on what to expect for expect for 2017. The workshops will focus on:

The past performance of CDP responding companies
Updates on the CDP process this year, including the scoring methodology and how you can achieve better scores
A refresher on the revised CDP climate change scope 2 reporting guidance and an update on Science Based Targets
CDP’s ‘Re-imagining Disclosure’ project, including the introduction of sector-based questionnaires in 2018

Please contact Naseema Elias for further information.

The NBI and CDP Discussion on the Task Force on Climate-related Financial Disclosures (TCFD) Recommendations – Johannesburg
2017-03-16 11:30 - 12:30
The Financial Stability Board¹ launched an industry-led Task Force on Climate-related Financial Disclosures (TCFD) in 2015 as the result of a global effort to shape common guidelines and standards for climate-related financial disclosures. The discussion will cover what the TCFD recommendations are and what they mean for your organization, how CDP can aid you in their implementation, and the next steps – going further than the recommendations on the road to a well-below 2 C world, set out in the Paris agreement.
Please contact Naseema Elias for further information.

CDP Climate Change and Water Workshop 2017 – Cape Town
2017-03-14 14:00 - 16:00 | Teams
The CDP workshops will provide companies with feedback on key outcomes from the 2016 CDP reporting round and give companies an update on what to expect for expect for 2017. The workshops will focus on:

The past performance of CDP responding companies
Updates on the CDP process this year, including the scoring methodology and how you can achieve better scores
A refresher on the revised CDP climate change scope 2 reporting guidance and an update on Science Based Targets
CDP’s ‘Re-imagining Disclosure’ project, including the introduction of sector-based questionnaires in 2018

NBI and CDP Discussion on the Task Force on Climate-related Financial Disclosures (TCFD) Recommendations – Cape Town
2017-03-14 11:00 - 12:00 | Teams
The Financial Stability Board¹ launched an industry-led Task Force on Climate-related Financial Disclosures (TCFD) in 2015 as the result of a global effort to shape common guidelines and standards for climate-related financial disclosures. The discussion will cover what the TCFD recommendations are and what they mean for your organization, how CDP can aid you in their implementation, and the next steps – going further than the recommendations on the road to a well-below 2 C world, set out in the Paris agreement. Please contact Naseema Elias for more information.

CDP Climate Change and Water Workshop 2017 – Durban
2017-03-13 14:00 - 16:00 | Teams
The March 2017 CDP workshops will provide companies with feedback on key outcomes from the 2016 CDP reporting round and give companies an update on what to expect for expect for 2017. The workshops will focus on:

The past performance of CDP responding companies
Updates on the CDP process this year, including the scoring methodology and how you can achieve better scores
A refresher on the revised CDP climate change scope 2 reporting guidance and an update on Science Based Targets
CDP’s ‘Re-imagining Disclosure’ project, including the introduction of sector-based questionnaires in 2018

NEES Consultation
2017-03-10 09:00 - 16:00 | Teams
The Energy Efficiency Leadership Network (EELN) of the National Business Initiative (NBI), in partnership with the Department of Energy (DoE) is hosting a National Energy Efficiency Strategy (NEES) consultation session. The NEES is intended to respond to the ever increasing demand for energy, coupled with a growing commitment to improve resource use and the reduction of South Africa’s national environmental footprint.

Thought Leadership Series (TLS) – Debating the IRP and IEP
2017-03-08 12:00 - 14:00 | NBI Events 2020
After much anticipation, both the updated Integrated Resource Plan (IRP) for electricity and the Integrated Energy Plan (IEP) were released by the Department of Energy for comment in November 2016.
The release of these planning documents brings into sharp focus considerations around the makeup of both the energy and electricity mix in South Africa to 2050, including the relative role of major technologies such as renewable energy, gas and nuclear. Central to these considerations is the social, economic and environmental implications of the different energy pathways available to the country, coupled with the likely makeup of energy demand over the next few decades.
With the comments period for both the draft IRP and IEP extended until 31 March 2017, this TLS event will provide an opportunity for NBI members to reflect on key aspects of both the IRP and IEP, to discuss their relative importance within national energy decision making, and to consider specific components of both plans that could be strengthened or adapted prior to their final promulgation.
Please note that this event is for NBI Member Companies only and seating is limited.

Roundtable for Social and Ethics Committee Members of Company Boards
2017-03-03 08:00 - 17:00
The Global Compact Network South Africa and the National Business Initiative (NBI) are hosting a roundtable for Social and Ethics Committee Members of Company Boards This will enable the NBI/UNGC to engage with all participants in on-going dialogue on driving best practice in sustainability performance through Social and Ethics Committees. Please contact Achieng Ojwang for further information.

Accelerating Youth Employability: Harnessing the Collective Action of Small and Emerging Contractors in the Construction Industry
2017-02-15 11:00 - 13:00 | IMG_1015
The National Business Initiative (NBI), on behalf of the Construction Industry Partnership (CIP), is hosting a Thought Leadership and Dialogue Discussion on the role and contribution of small and emerging contractors in the construction sector in accelerating youth employability.

A Visual Display of the South African CDP Water Report 2016
2016-12-01 16:00 - 18:00 | Kopano ya metsi
Please join us for a packed water launch in 2016, as we discuss the key findings from CDP Water for 2016, hear from the National Planning Commission on future water development in South Africa and consider the role of water in a low carbon economy.

NBI's Thought Leadership Series (TLs) on the WWF Water Risk Filter
2016-11-29 11:30 - 14:00 | Kopano ya metsi
Water risk, whether related to the current national drought or more systemic risks factors, is as relevant in South Africa today than at any other point in our contemporary history. The completion of a water risk assessment is instrumental in understanding risk to company operations, reputation and business growth.

NBI Transformation Dialogue Series
2016-11-22 11:30 - 14:00 | Brian-2-1
The NBI’s overarching strategic focus is to enable member company participation in contributing to economic transition and social transformation. This implies not only a positive relationship between business and society, but also a corporate sector that demonstrates a commitment to internal transformation including to addressing issues of equity and diversity. The NBI has planned a series of dialogues that address key political and transformation issues in a practical and positive way that will start now and continue into 2017.

NBI Membership Council Meeting
2016-11-17 16:00 - 18:00 | Anthesis South Africa

Building Partnerships for the Protection of Children - Johannesburg
2016-11-08 09:30 - 16:30 | First Rand
Each year, millions of children around the globe are lured or forced into exploitation. The trafficking in adults and children for sexual purposes is a lucrative illegal business everywhere in the world. Globally, children comprise nearly one-third of all trafficking victims. In Africa, nearly two-thirds of victims are believed to be minors. In May this year, CRES in partnership with Nedbank and the Global Compact Network South Africa hosted an initial business dialogue on how South African business can act against exploitation of children and promote children’s rights in the region. Together with the Global Child Forum, we are now inviting you to a full day conference on how business can protect children.The conference will feature leading national and global experts from all sectors.

A visual display of the South African CDP Climate Change Report 2016 - Johannesburg
2016-10-25 16:30 - 18:30 | NBI Events 2020
2016 shows a record number of South African companies on the global Climate A-list. In addition to reviewing the results of the international and South Africa CDP questionnaire analysis, this year’s CDP launch will critically look at the question of ‘economic transition and energy reform’ and provide a deeper analysis of the performance of South African companies. Please e-mail Naseema Elias for further details.

Public Seminar: Understanding Science Based Targets for GHG Emission Reductions - Cape Town
2016-10-20 09:30 - 13:30 | Teams
The National Business Initiative (NBI), in partnership with WWF South Africa and the CDP, are hosting a public seminar detailing the various Science Based Target setting methods for greenhouse gas emission reductions, and what they mean for your company. Science Based Targets are gaining prominence amongst international companies for setting carbon emission reduction goals in line with climate science. Globally 184 companies have committed to setting these targets yet this remains a relatively new knowledge area for South African businesses, with the 2015 CDP findings highlighting that domestic companies need to be setting longer-term, more ambitious targets.

Public Seminar: Understanding Science Based Targets for GHG Emission Reductions - Johannesburg
2016-10-19 09:30 - 13:30 | ERM

Open Thought Leadership Series Event: International Business Trends, Carbon Pricing & Pre-COP22 Dialogue with Nigel Topping - Jophannesburg
2016-10-17 13:00 - 15:00 | Kopano ya metsi
The National Business Initiative (NBI) is delighted to welcome Nigel Topping, CEO of We Mean Business, to South Africa for a strategic session focusing on global business trends post-Paris and what this means for South African companies leading into COP22 in Morocco this November.

Water Risk and Solutions for Industry - Cape Town
2016-10-13 16:00 - 18:30 | NBI Events 2020
GreenCape, WWF-SA, NBI and Sanlam are hosting the Cape Town launch of the High-Resolution Water Risk Filter for South Africa – a new addition to WWF’s Water Risk tool that quantifies water-related risks for all industries and offers guidance on what to do to mitigate them. From risk to resilience, and a water secure future for South Africa.
