24 – 25 November 2025
South Africa Climate Summit
Sandton, Johannesburg
Turning Ambition into Action – South Africa’s Climate Leadership in Motion
Following the joint decision made by the National Business Initiative (NBI) and sponsors not to host a South Africa Pavilion at COP30 in Belém, Brazil in November, the NBI has taken the lead to facilitate a two-day South Africa Climate Summit in Sandton, Johannesburg.
The South Africa Climate Summit will aim to:
Aligned with the G20 Presidency theme ‘Solidarity, Equality and Sustainability’, the Climate Summit will take forward the focus on ‘implementation’ adopted by the COP 30 Presidency, including showcasing key initiatives and best practices in South Africa.
The first South Africa Climate Summit marks a milestone: where bold business leadership catalyses climate action and public–private collaboration paves the way for shared solutions and ambition.
South Africa Climate Summit Programme 2025
Day 1: Monday, 24 November 2025
Main Plenary
High-Level Opening: Turning Ambition into Action – South Africa’s Climate Leadership in Motion
Date and Time:
24 November 2025, 09:00 – 10:30
Speakers:
Minister Velenkosini Hlabisa, Department of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs
Cas Coovadia, B20 Sherpa
Mzila Mthenjane, CEO, Minerals Council South Africa
Shameela Soobramoney, CEO, NBI
Alex McNamara, Head: Environment, NBI
Industrial Development Corporation (IDC)
Implementation of Sustainable Industrial Pathways: Developing a Pipeline of Projects for a Just Transition
Date and Time:
24 November 2025, 11:00 – 12:00
Facilitator:
Phiwe Marumo, Acting Divisional Executive Strategy & Corporate Affairs, IDC
Mark Goliath, Acting Divisional Executive Manufacturing, IDC
Speakers:
Pamela Mondliwa, Head: Research & Information and Industry Planning, IDC
Rian Coetzee, Divisional Executive Industry Planning & Project Development, IDC
Lwandle Mqadi, Principal Specialist: Environmental, Social, Resilience and Governance (ESRG), IDC
Ninety One and NBI
Fuelling the Just Transition: Showcasing South African early-stage climate innovations via the Ninety One Accelerator
Date and Time:
24 November 2025, 12:00 – 13:00
Facilitator:
Bhavna Deonarain, Programme Manager: Climate and Energy, NBI
Speakers:
Ann-Maree Tippoo, Head of Engagement & Stewardship, Ninety One
Mark Williams-Wynn, CTO, E-Waste Africa
Eben De Jongh, CEO, Sonke Retail
Prudence Simelane, CEO, Samanjalo
Noxolo Zulu, Fundraising Coordinator, Abalobi
Charles Reed, CEO and Founder, Mycosure
Shingai Samudzi, CEO, Asoba
Just Energy Transition Project Management Unit (JET PMU)
Implementation Progress of South Africa’s Just Energy Transition
Date and Time:
24 November 2025, 14:00 – 15:00
Facilitator:
Neil Cole, Financing Manager, JET PMU
Speakers:
Rudi Dicks, Head: Project Management Office, The Presidency
Joanne Yawitch: Head: JET PMU, The Presidency
Nathan Fredericks, JET IP New Energy Vehicles Programme Director, IDC
Rebecca Maserumule, JET IP Green Hydrogen Programme Director, IDC
Nkosinathi Nkonyane, CEO, Mpumalanga Green Cluster Agency
Mamphokhu Khuluvhe, Director, Department of Higher Education and Training
Presidential Climate Commission (PCC)
NDC Implementation pathways – an exploratory discussion on the role of business in achieving South Africa’s NDC targets
Date and Time:
24 November 2025, 15:00 – 16:00
Facilitator:
Dorah Modise, Executive Director, PCC
Speakers:
Joanne Yawitch, Head: Just Energy Transition Project Management Unit
Niveshen Govender, CEO, South African Wind Energy Association
Stan Pillay, Carbon and Innovation Lead, Anglo American
Happy Khambule, Policy & Regulation Specialist & Chief of Staff, Enertrag
We Mean Business Coalition & National Business Initiative (NBI)
South Africa’s NDC in action: enhancing industrial competitiveness and attracting investment
Date and Time:
24 November 2025, 16:00 – 17:00
Facilitator:
Alex McNamara, Head: Environment, NBI
Speakers:
Gillian Maree, Senior Programme Manager: Environment and Society, NBI
Shameela Soobramoney, CEO, NBI
María Mendiluce, CEO, We Mean Business Coalition
The Climate Group (TBC)
Investec (TBC)
DP World (TBC)
Breakout Room
Minerals Council South Africa (MINCOSA)
Transforming Mining-Dependent Economies into Sustainable Economic Hubs
Date and Time:
24 November 2025, 11:00 – 12:00
Facilitator:
Shamini Harrington, Senior Executive: Environment, Health, Legacies and Employee Relations, MINCOSA
Speakers:
Mzila Mthenjane, CEO, Minerals Council South Africa
Nevashnee Naicker, Senior Vice President Corporate Affairs, Anglo American
Thenjiwe Stemela, Programme Lead: B20 South Africa PMO
Alex McNamara, Head: Environment, NBI
Ken Sarman, Senior Manager Low Carbon Feedstock Solutions, Sasol
World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF)
Launch of WWF South Africa’s Illustrative People’s Energy Plan Project.
Date and Time:
24 November 2025, 12:00 – 13:00
Facilitator:
Richard Worthington, IPEP Steering Committee Member
Speakers:
James Reeler, Senior Specialist: Climate Action, WWF South Africa
Khabonina Masango, Climate and Energy Specialist, WWF South Africa
Guy Cuncliffe, IPEP SATIMGE Consultant, UCT Energy Systems Research Group
Deloitte
Mandatory Carbon Budgets and its impact on GHG emissions reduction
Date and Time:
24 November 2025, 14:00 – 15:00
Speakers:
Paseka Mabina, Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment
Izak Swart, Deloitte
Hannah Marais, Deloitte
Jacqui Swan, Deloitte
UK Partnering for Accelerated Climate Transitions (UK PACT)
Powering South Africa’s Just Energy Transition: Translating Ambition into Implementation and Investment
Date and Time:
24 November 2025, 15:00 – 16:00
Facilitator:
Deney Van Rooyen, Technical Advisor, UK PACT
Speakers:
Vasanie Pather, Senior Manager: Project Delivery, Energy Council of South Africa
Itumeleng Morosele, Energy Advisor, Sustainable Energy Africa
Michael Boulle, Senior Specialist: Climate, Energy & Just Transition, ICLEI
Jack Radmore, Programme Manager: Energy, GreenCape
International Partners Group & British High Commission in Pretoria
Projects, progress and partnership – Insights from international partners supporting South Africa’s Just Energy Transition Partnership
Date and Time:
24 November 2025, 16:00 – 17:00
Facilitator:
Lisa Weedon, Deputy High Commissioner, British High Commission Pretoria
Speakers:
Benjamin Cabouat, Deputy Chief of Mission, French Embassy in South Africa
Jock Geselschap, Deputy Ambassador for the Netherlands to the Republic of South Africa
Carla Rooseboom, Senior Energy Expert, KfW Development Bank
Sven Helms Skov, Advisor in Danish Energy Agency/Interim Energy Councellor at the Danish Embassy
Massimo Mina, Head of Cooperation Section, EU Delegation to South Africa
Auditorium
Taskforce on Nature-related Financial Disclosures (TNFD) Consultation Group
Corporate South Africa and Nature: From Intention to Action — Lessons from the Frontlines
Date and Time:
24 November 2025, 11:00 – 12:00
Facilitator:
Garth Barnes, Programme Manager: Environment and Society, NBI
Speakers:
Candice Dott, Director of Market Engagement
Justine Bolton, Carbon and Biodiversity specialist, FirstRand Group
Garth Barnes, Programme Manager: Water & Biodiversity, NBI
Sandra Wakeford, Group Sustainability Officer, Raubex Group
Terisha Silal, Senior Sustainability Analyst, Sasol
Brad Nelson, Biodiversity & Business Senior Project Manager, Endangered Wildlife Trust
Amanda Ansermino, Greening Financial Regulation Specialist, WWF South Africa to moderate
Yaseen Lockhat, Senior Specialist: Sustainability Financial Inclusion and Public Policy, The Banking Association South Africa
Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR)
Where to from here? South Africa’s NDC
Date and Time:
24 November 2025, 12:00 – 13:00
Facilitator:
Dr Brian Mantlana, CSIR
Speakers:
Geeta Morar, African Climate Foundation
Paseka Mabina, Director, Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment
Dr Thapelo Letete, Zutari
Steve Nicholls, Africa Energy Futures
Southern Transitions
A South African G20 Presidency Legacy Initiative: Advancing a Just Steel Transition Implementation Partnership
Date and Time:
24 November 2025, 15:00 – 16:00
Facilitator:
Gaylor Montmasson-Clair, Founding Director, Southern Transitions
Leanne Govindsamy, Founding Director, Southern Transitions
Speakers:
Deputy Minister Samantha Jane Graham-Mare, Department of Electricity and Energy
Tengo Tengela, COSATU
Franck Wandji, ArcelorMittal South Africa
Mchenge Nyoka, UNIDO
Yegeshni Moodley, groundWork
ICLEI Africa
Building Inclusive Flood Resilience: Scaling Community-Based Early Warning Systems and Risk Profiles through Colloborative Partnerships
Date and Time:
24 November 2025, 16:00 – 17:00
Facilitator:
Dr Meggan Spires, Director: Climate Change: Energy & Resilience, ICLEI Africa
Speakers:
Dr Kate Strachan, Senior Manager: Climate Change Resilience, Coastal Management & DRR, ICLEI Africa
Sibusisiwe Goba-Sigawuke, Senior Manager Fire, Emergency Services and Disaster Management National Office, SALGA
Rudzani Malala, Senior Manager: Disaster Risk Reduction, South African Weather Services
Mr Ngubo, Director, Disaster Risk Reduction, COGTA
Melissa Pillay, Chief Planner, COGTA
Russell Stow, Manager: Transformative Riverine Management Programme, eThekwini Municipality
Day 2: Tuesday, 25 November 2025
Main Plenary
National Business Initiative (NBI)
JET SEP Ecosystem Report Launch: Actionable Ecosystem Shifts to Strengthen the Skills Ecosystem to Support a Just Energy Transition
Date and Time:
25 November 2025, 09:00 -10:00
Facilitator:
Gugu Mclaren-Ushewokunze, Head: Economic Inclusion, NBI
Speakers:
Dr. Kirston Greenop, Head of Corporate Citizenship, Standard Bank
Janice Finlay, Economic Development Manager, Seriti Green
Charlotte Mokoena, Former Executive Vice President, Sasol
Khulekani Mathe, Chief Executive Officer, BUSA
Lindiwe Johnson, Programme Manager: JET Skilling, NBI
Eskom
Sustainable Value Creation while Navigating the Transition: Leveraging Climate Finance for Adaptation, Sustainability, and a Just Energy Transition
Date and Time:
25 November 2025, 10:00 – 11:00
Facilitator:
Gabi Mkhatshwa, Senior Manager: Climate Change & Sustainable Development, Eskom
Speakers:
Vikesh Rajpaul, Just Energy Transition Manager, Eskom
Deidre Herbst, Environmental Management Generation: Operational Adaptation, Technologies, and Challenges in Coal-Based Operations, Eskom
Alex McNamara, Head: Environment, NBI
South African Local Government Association (SALGA)
Municipal Climate Action Plans
Date and Time:
25 November 2025, 11:30 – 12:30
Facilitator:
Rabelani Tshikalange, Senior Manager: Environment, Climate Change and Sustainability, SALGA
Elijah Ramulifho, Programme Manager: Sustainable & Resilient Cities, South African Cities Network
Speakers:
Given Mbara, Principal Specialist: Climate Change Mitigation, City of Johannesburg
Lebogang Mdluli, Ehlanzeni District Municipality
Ntshavheni Mudau, Mopane District Municipality
Dr Samukelisiwe Mdlalose, Mogale City Local Municipality
Canecia Thobela, Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment
Dr Kate Strachan, Senior Manager: Climate Change Resilience, Coastal Management & DRR, ICLEI Africa
Exxaro
The Importance of Partnerships in Driving Decarbonisation and Social Impact
Date and Time:
25 November 2025, 12:30 – 13:30
Facilitator:
Shameela Soobramoney, CEO, NBI
Speakers:
Mongezi Veti, Executive Head: Sustainability, Exxaro
Nontokozo Hadebe, Group Executive Strategy and Sustainability, Eskom
Indalo Inclusive and Nedbank
Innovative Finance in Action: Lessons from the Nedbank Indalo Fund Case
Date and Time:
25 November 2025, 14:30 – 15:30
Facilitator:
Rest Kanju, Director & Head of Operations, Indalo Inclusive
Speakers:
Farai Mauchaza, Fund Manager, Indalo Inclusive
Maluta Netshaulu, Head: Social Impact Portfolio Development, Nedbank
Carmen Mollmann, JET Platform Analyst, JET PMU
Gamuchirai Mutezo, Founder, Madam Waste
Just Energy Transition Project Management Unit (JET PMU)
JET Funding Platform: Delivering Just Transition Support in South Africa
Date and Time:
25 November 2025, 15:30 – 16:30
Facilitator:
Neil Cole, Financing Manager, JET PMU
Speakers:
Joanne Yawitch, Head, JET PMU, The Presidency
Nunu Ngoasheng, JET Funding Platform Analyst, JET PMU
Carmen Mollmann, JET Funding Platform Analyst, JET PMU
Lungile Gasa, Senior Account Manager, IDC
Jack Radmore, Programme Manager: Energy, Green Cape
Gideon Maasz, COO, Fuel Switch
Mtuza Mdletshe, Local Economic Development Manager, IDC
Closing plenary
Date and Time:
25 November 2025, 16:30 – 17:00
Speakers:
Alex McNamara, Head: Environment, NBI
Breakout Room
ERM
Missing Link: How financial quantification accelerates sustainability value creation
Date and Time:
25 November 2025, 09:00 – 10:00
Facilitator:
Joseph Rohm, Partner, ERM
Samuel Mohr, Partner, ERM
Speakers:
Arvana Singh, Head: Sustainable Finance Solutions, Nedbank
Kavita Pema, Chief Sustainability Officer, AECI
Renata Lawton-Misra, Associate Director & Africa Co-Head, Carbon Trust
Climate High-Level Champions
Accelerating the Momentum: Africa’s Climate Leadership Beyond COP30
Date and Time:
25 November 2025, 10:00 – 11:00
Facilitator:
Naira Hatem, Regionalization Strategic Coordinator, Climate High-Level Champions
Speakers:
Carlos Lopes, COP30 Special Envoy to Africa
Joseph Nganga, Mission 300 Special Envoy
Dorah Modise, Executive Director, PCC
Zethu Diko, Manager: Energy and Environment, BUSA
Reitumetse Molotsane, Africa Director, Climate High-Level Champions
Esha Mansingh, Head: Corporate Affairs & Sustainability sub-Saharan Africa, DP World
National Business Initiative (NBI)
Local Power, Local Industry: Company decarbonisation journeys
Date and Time:
25 November 2025, 11:30 – 12:30
Facilitator:
Alexa Brown-Robinson, Senior Project Manager: Environment, NBI
Speakers:
Gregor Schmorl, Programme Manager, Climate Support Programme, Climate Cluster, GIZ South Africa
Raksha Sunderlall, Senior Manager: Climate Strategy and Sustainability, Sasol
Jerry Dungu, Head of Market & Product Development, ArcelorMittal South Africa
Kavita Pema, Vice President: Sustainability, ESG and EHS, AECI
Lauren Rota, Senior Director Sustainability SSA, DP World
Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH and Mpumalanga Green Cluster Agency (MGCA)
Driving a Just Transition through green inclusive opportunities in Mpumalanga
Date and Time:
25 November 2025, 12:30 – 13:30
Facilitator:
Nkosinathi Nkonyane, CEO, Mpumalanga Green Cluster Agency
Speakers:
Peter Venn, CEO, Seriti Green
Christina von Heyden, Project Director, JUST SA GIZ South Africa
Rest Kanju, Executive Director, Indalo Inclusive
Duduzile Sibiya, Provincial Climate Change Coordinator, Department of Agriculture Rural Development Land and the Environment
The Southern Centre for Inequality Studies, Wits University
Climate Change and Inequality: Discussing key questions on the political economy of climate change, energy transition, inequality and industrialisation.
Date and Time:
25 November 2025, 14:30 -15:30
Facilitator:
Julia Taylor, The Southern Centre for Inequality Studies, Wits University
Speakers:
Dr Elvis Avenyo, Associate Professor, University of Johannesburg
Rahul Gandhi, Research Assistant, The Southern Centre for Inequality Studies, Wits University
National Business Initiative (NBI)
Expanding Participation: Unlocking Green Economy Opportunities for Township-based SMMEs
Date and Time:
25 November 2025, 15:30 – 16:30
Facilitator:
Zwelidumile Magano, Senior Project Manager: Economic Inclusion, NBI
Speakers:
Tebogo Leepile, Group Manager: Social Impact, Exxaro
Zini Godden, Portfolio Coordinator: Skills and Health, KfW Development Bank
Nafeesa Dinie, Manager: Centre for Entrepreneurship Rapid Incubator, False Bay TVET College
Ceaser Rikhotso, Founder and CEO, Ampho Group
Key contacts:
Lulamile Makaula
Bhavna Deonarain
Ayabulela Manjezi
Supported by:
