Water and Sanitation Deputy Minister David Mahlobo is expected to deliver a keynote address at the 2026 Future of Sustainability Conference in Johannesburg, this evening.
The two-day conference, currently underway in Fourways, started on Tuesday, 24 March 2026, bringing together sustainability leaders, policymakers, chief executive officers, academics and industry specialists to tackle pressing challenges and explore innovative ways of embedding sustainability into business strategies.
Established in 2011, the conference emerged from a partnership between Topco Media and the United Nations to produce the official publication for COP17 – United Nations Climate Change Conference.
The collaboration laid the groundwork for what has become a key platform for advancing sustainability dialogue in Africa.
This year’s programme features expert-led panel discussions examining critical sustainability challenges and opportunities facing both South Africa and the broader continent.
According to the Department of Water and Sanitation, Mahlobo’s address will focus on strengthening partnerships at local, national and global levels, and highlight the Blue Deal as a model for cooperation and progress.
“This is a call to action to commit to strengthening collaboration across all levels of society and investing in innovation and capacity building,” the department said in a statement.
Conference highlights include a panel on supporting grassroots green waste entrepreneurs hosted by HEINEKEN Beverages, which will explore how small-scale innovators are converting waste into economic opportunities within South Africa’s circular economy.
Another session, hosted in partnership with the UN Global Compact Network South Africa, will focus on urban water security. The discussion will examine how collaboration between government, business and communities can strengthen urban water systems through public-private-community partnerships, supported by practical case studies.
Delegates are also expected to gain practical insights into addressing resource scarcity, building resilient urban infrastructure, and adapting to climate change.
The programme further offers guidance on emerging technologies, innovative business models, sustainability reporting, and the role of inclusive leadership in driving both economic and social impact. – SAnews.gov.za
