Johannesburg, 22 October 2024: This one-day event which is proudly presented by Sanlam and Santam, aims to highlight the criticality of this function and explore the strategies and issues corporate affairs officials engage with in an ever-changing business landscape.
Over the years, the responsibilities of Corporate Affairs professionals have changed considerably, requiring them to adjust to the distinct challenges and opportunities of a dynamic business environment, which is why the Corporate Affairs Leadership Forum (CALF) was convened by the Cambridge Institute for Sustainability Leadership (CISL) in partnership with the WITS School of Governance in order to bring corporate affairs executive together to share learning and to provide a safe space for discussions with senior government and other experts. CALF has formed a collaboration with the JSE and is an associate sponsor of the symposium
Through a series of panel discussions, presentations and brainstorming sessions, the symposium aims to provide thought-leadership on the areas of expertise that a Corporate Affairs executive is expected to deliver on and engage within their organisations, including the latest trends, best practices and observations in the areas of communication and Public Relations, sustainability and strategy, government relations and public policy, and many other important functions.
Through this conference, the relevance of the role will be highlighted and speakers such as MTN Group CEO Ralph Mupita and Business Leadership SA CEO Busi Mavuso will explore strategies and issues corporate affairs officials engage with to promote positive and productive relationships with their stakeholders and achieve their company’s objectives.
“We see the JSE’s role as a convener in South Africa, bringing together stakeholders and industry experts to discuss solutions to the issues impacting the country, to ultimately achieve inclusive economic growth. Alongside our sponsors, we are establishing this new forum to unlock industry knowledge so that we develop a community of Corporate Affairs professionals that will drive business growth in their organisations and contribute to the national agenda through essential public-private sector engagements,” said Vuyo Lee, Director of Marketing and Corporate Affairs at the JSE.
Sana-Ullah Bray, Group Executive of Human Capital at Sanlam, highlighted that “the Sanlam Group is proud to support this crucial platform for dialogue and collaboration in our industry. The JSE holds a special place in Sanlam’s journey and, as a listed company, our relationship with the JSE has been instrumental in our growth and success. We hope to see this symposium become an annual fixture in the corporate calendar. The discussions and connections made here are invaluable for shaping the future of corporate affairs in South Africa and beyond.”
CISL Africa Director, Prof Richard Calland, added that “the symposium is an important moment in recognising the pivotal role that the corporate affairs professional plays as steward of the modern company’s social purpose and in navigating an increasingly complex external context. With WITS, Cambridge will continue to support the institutionalisation of the profession through CALF, the corporate leaders’ group that we have convened”.
The 2024 Corporate Affairs Symposium has attracted industry leaders across a variety of sectors ranging from FMCG, retail, financial services, telecoms and more to speak on a variety of topics including:
- CEO’s perspective: How the modern Corporate Affairs Executive drives business impact in a complex world address by Mr Ralph Mupita, Group President and CEO, MTN.
- What every Corporate Affairs executive needs to know about the priorities of Big Business address by Business Leadership South Africa CEO, Busi Mavuso.
- Critical Perspectives on a Corporate Affairs role, a panel discussion featuring:
- Andile Sangqu, Chairman, Transnet
- Andre Obelholzer, Group Head: Corporate Affairs, Sappi
- Nonkqubela Maliza, Director: Corporate and Government Affairs, VW South Africa
- Mary Jane Morifi, Chief Corporate Affairs and Sustainability Officer, Tiger Brands
- Moderated by Prof Richard Calland, Director: Cambridge Institute for Sustainability Leadership South Africa
- Public Policy in the age of the GNU panel discussion featuring:
- Dr Yacoob Abba Omar, Director Operations: Mapungubwe Institute for Strategic Reflections
- Simon Freemantle, Senior Political Economists, Standard Bank
- Reflections
- Simon Freemantle: Senior Political Economists, Standard Bank
- Caryn Abrahams, Senior Lecturer – Public Policy, Wits School of Governance
- Rudi Dicks, Head: Project Management, Office of the Presidency
- Lizeka Tandwa, Digital Politics Editor, TimesLIVE and Sunday Times
- Moderated by Prof Themba Maseko, Head of School, Wits School of Governance
“At the JSE, our corporate affairs strategy is linked to the sustainable development of South Africa. We recognise the role that we play in addressing the socio-economic challenges of our country and as such, we have invested in creating this forum to facilitate partnerships and focused interventions and make a significant impact on our country,” concluded Lee.
ENDS
ABOUT THE JSE
The Johannesburg Stock Exchange (JSE) has a well-established history of operating as a marketplace for trading financial products. It is a pioneering, globally connected exchange group that enables inclusive economic growth through trusted, world-class, socially responsible products, and services for the investor of the future. It offers secure and efficient primary and secondary capital markets across a diverse range of securities, spanning equities, derivatives, and debt markets. It prides itself on being the market of choice for local and international investors looking to gain exposure to leading capital markets on the African continent.
The JSE is currently ranked in the Top 20 largest stock exchanges in the world by market capitalisation, and is the largest stock exchange in Africa, having been in operation for 135 years. As a leading global exchange, the JSE co-creates unlocks value & makes real connections happen.
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About Sanlam
The Sanlam group is a leading pan-African financial services group listed on the JSE, Namibian Stock Exchange and A2X Markets Limited. The group provides comprehensive and bespoke financial solutions to institutional clients and consumers across all market segments, including life and general insurance, health, financial planning, retirement, investments, wealth management and credit.
Established in 1918 as a life insurance company, the Sanlam group has evolved into the largest non-banking financial services group in Africa through its diversification strategy achieved through strategic partnerships and acquisitions. Headquartered in South Africa, the Sanlam group operates in 31 countries including eight of the top ten largest economies in Africa.
For more information on Sanlam, visit www.sanlam.com
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