Global Compact Network South Africa launches a new platform for bold conversations on sustainable business

The need for sustainability – whether it relates to climate pressures or the need for social equity – is reshaping the South African business environment, and companies are increasingly judged on how they respond to the challenges that affect their growth and future resilience.

To address this shift, the Global Compact Network South Africa (GCNSA) – a business-led, self-governing entity working closely with the United Nations (UN) Global Compact – will launch Sustainability Leads, a podcast and platform for candid conversations with the people driving change, on 1 September 2025.

The podcast series offers leadership insights and showcases success stories across industries. It aims to provide a trusted space where business leaders and change-makers share practical strategies for building a more sustainable economy.

“The launch of Sustainability Leads comes at a critical time. Businesses across South Africa are being called upon to respond to climate change, inequality and other systemic challenges with courage and foresight,” says Dr Achieng Ojwang, executive director of the United Nations Global Compact Network South Africa (GCNSA)

“This platform will provide a space for leaders to share practical strategies and fresh perspectives on embedding sustainability into core business practice.

“Sustainability is no longer a side issue for South African companies. It’s shaping competitiveness, investment decisions and businesses’ ability to thrive in a challenging environment.”

Guests featured on the podcast include:

● Kgomotso Tshaka, head of legacy projects and social closure, AngloGold Ashanti

● Kathleen Ebersohn-Khuvutlu, head of sustainability, Land and Agricultural Development Bank of South Africa

The podcast will also share perspectives and snippets from some of Africa’s most influential business leaders on its platform, including Sim Tshabalala, CEO of the Standard Bank Group; Phuti Mahanyele-Dabengwa, CEO of Naspers; and Busi Mavuso, CEO of Business Leadership South Africa.

The conversations will explore how South Africa’s top corporations are embedding sustainability into strategy and decision-making, in response to both local realities and global expectations.

The launch of Sustainability Leads ties in with GCNSA’s role in advancing the UN Global Compact principles and Sustainable Development Goals. The network aims to make the podcast the country’s leading sustainability-focused platform for dialogue.

GCNSA invites leaders and change-makers to listen to the Sustainability Leads podcast, share the conversations with their networks and contribute their voices to the forum.

For more information and to access the podcast, please visit:https://www.youtube.com/@globalcompactnetworksoutha9059