Project Description
As the world faces pressing environmental challenges, our collective responsibility to protect and preserve our planet has never been more critical. In the pursuit of a sustainable future, the path to energy security emerges as a defining factor in shaping our world.
Watch the Financial Mail Green Economy Conference brought to you by Schneider Electric in partnership with Mulilo, Siemens Energy Southern Africa, Sanlam Investments, Kyocera, Energy and Water Sector Education and Training Authority and Lesedi as we embark on a collective mission to foster a greener tomorrow, where businesses thrive, communities prosper, and the planet flourishes. Let’s be the architects of change and together build a sustainable legacy for generations to come.
Nastassia Arendse
Master of ceremonies
Zinathi Gquma
Moderator
Devan Pillay
Cluster President Anglophone Africa
Schneider Electric
Devan Pillay
Pillay comes with a wealth of experience which include:
- President – Signify Africa
- Managing director – 3M (Anglophone Africa)
- Regional director – General Electric (GE)
“Anglophone Africa offers many opportunities and the region’s business is on firm footing. We have solidified our segment approach to South Africa and continue to strengthen our business in East and West Africa, “says Pillay.
Robyn Vilakazi
Chief Financial Officer
Energy and Water Sector Education and Training Authority (EwSETA)
Robyn Vilakazi
Robyn Vilakazi is a highly accomplished professional serving as the Chief Financial Officer at the Energy and Water Sector Education and Training Authority. With an extensive background in financial management, Robyn has consistently demonstrated her expertise in various positions throughout her career. Notably, she has excelled as a consultant for the public sector, providing invaluable insights and guidance in the fields of financial reporting, financial management, and compliance. Her dedication to supporting clients in both the national and provincial spheres of government showcases her ability to navigate complex financial landscapes and deliver exceptional results. One of Robyn’s notable strengths lies in her unwavering commitment to the growth and development of her staff and youth in the sector. Recognizing the importance of honing the skills of financial experts, she has taken on the role of mentor to guide her team in project management and strategy implementation. By sharing her knowledge and experiences, Robyn plays a pivotal role in nurturing emerging talent within EWSETA. Moreover, she derives immense satisfaction from creating and delivering comprehensive training programs, ensuring that her colleagues are equipped with the latest industry practices and standards. Robyn’s thirst for knowledge and continuous self-improvement is evident in her pursuit of higher education. Recently, she completed her Master of Business Administration (MBA) at the prestigious Gordon Institute of Business Science, affiliated with the University of Pretoria. This accomplishment further solidifies her commitment to staying at the forefront of financial management practices and enhancing her leadership capabilities. Beyond her professional endeavours, Robyn finds solace in various activities during her leisure time. Her diverse interests include immersing herself in literature and maintaining an active lifestyle. These activities not only serve as sources of personal fulfilment but also contribute to her well-rounded perspective and ability to balance her professional and personal life effectively. Robyn Vilakazi’s professional accomplishments, dedication to mentorship and training, and passion for continuous learning make her an invaluable asset to the Energy and Water Sector Education and Training Authority. Through her strategic financial management expertise and unwavering commitment to professional growth, she continues to drive excellence in the field while inspiring others to reach their full potential. |
Fergus Slattery
Director
CF Africa Pty Ltd
Fergus Slattery
Teboho Makhabane
Head of ESG and Impact
Sanlam Investments
Teboho Makhabane
Teboho joined Sanlam Investments in August 2021 where she was responsible for overseeing the implementation and ongoing maintenance of ESG and impact policies, as well as management systems in the Alternatives business. She also supported investment teams with high-risk and complex ESG and impact matters as well as stakeholder engagements. She ensured that the Alternatives business met its regulatory obligations and was aligned with the standards to which the business has committed in terms of ESG and impact. She also designs tools and systems that support the incorporation of ESG and impact into the investment processes across the Alternatives business.
Teboho has a Masters in Commerce (Development Finance) from UCT’s Graduate School of Business, a BCom Honours (Financial Analysis and Portfolio Management) as well as a BSc in Mathematics and Applied Mathematics from UCT.
Stuart MacWilliam
Head of Strategy and M&A
Mulilo
Stuart MacWilliam
Ajay Lalla
Project Development Specialist
Lesedi
Ajay Lalla
Career encompasses been part of the setup of a South African localized Catalytic Converter manufacturing facility with for the NGK Ceramic Group a Japanese company manufacturing environmentally friendly and energy-efficient products, including diesel particulate filters and gasoline particulate filters which remove particulate material in automobile exhaust, decarbonizing the emissions.
Setup of one of South Africa’s first state of the art, international accredited Photovoltaic Solar Module manufacturing facility Solia redirect Technologies, facilitating directly and indirectly over 1000 of green jobs.
Project development of over 2 GW of Renewable Energy projects ensuring bankability and meeting the legislative Environmental and statutory requirements for bankability, of which most are in operation through the South African REIPPP Programme.
Current portfolio with Lesedi encompasses the growth of Renewable Energy solutions for large energy consumers, in there ambit of decarbonization, green manufacture and security of electricity supply.
Thabo Molekoa
Chairman /Managing Director
Siemens Energy Southern Africa
Thabo Molekoa
Thabo has developed meaningful relationships and business at executive and governmental levels, while providing quality service that enhanced value across asset-intensive & heavy industries. His work experience covers organisations such as ThyssenKrupp, DuPont, Saint-Gobain and De Beers Mines.
In 2020, Thabo was appointed as the Managing Director of Siemens Energy–Southern & Eastern Africa based out of Johannesburg, South Africa.
Thabo serves on several boards in South Africa, notably in the renewable energy sector, and was previously on the EU Business Chamber board.
He is passionate about the advancement of Africa’s industrialisation agenda and its youth skills development.
Xolisa Dhlamini
Head: Sustainability operations and impact
Sanlam Ltd
Xolisa Dhlamini
Before Sanlam, Xolisa was academic faculty at the UCT Graduate School of Business (UCTGSB) specialising in sustainable investing. He was lead researcher for the African Investing for Impact Barometer and has co-authored a book chapter in: “Sustainable and Responsible Investment in Developing Markets” published by Edward Elgar Publishing. Xolisa continues to support training in the field as a guest lecturer on the UCTGSB’s Impact Investing in Africa executive programme and the Innovative Finance in Africa elective of Oxford University’s Said EMBA.
Prior to joining the UCTGSB, Xolisa was head of Africa for the UN-Supported Principles for Responsible Investment (PRI). He has performed investment consulting and advisory roles at Alex Forbes, Absa Consultants & Actuaries and Independent Actuaries & Consultants.
Xolisa holds the Certified ESG Analyst (CESGA) designation from the European Federation of Financial Analysts Societies and the Chartered Development Finance Analyst (CDFA) designation from the Chartered Institute of Development Finance. He is also a Licentiate trustee (LT) of the Batseta Council of Retirement Funds.