As South African companies face increasing pressure to demonstrate responsible sourcing, reduce carbon intensity and ensure greater transparency across their operations and supplier networks, companies are urged to embed environmental, social and governance (ESG) practices in their everyday operations.
Facilitated by Genesis shared value and impact practice principal Mark Robertson, panellists participating in Creamer Media’s ESG webinar, held on June 17, explored how businesses are integrating ESG considerations into procurement, production and operational systems, as well as turning sustainability ambitions into measurable action.
Joining Robertson on the panel were Implats sustainable development executive Dr Tsakani Mthombeni, Pele Green Energy environmental and social specialist Tshifhiwa Dzhaudzhau, SLR Consulting associate director Johan Oosthuizen and Rand Merchant Bank (RMB) sustainable finance and ESG advisory transactor Tshepo Ntsane.
“ESG is not a one-off initiative; it must be embedded throughout the lifecycle of the project if it's going to deliver a meaningful and sustainable outcome. It cannot be a one-off implementation,” said Dzhaudzhau.
He stated that social impact could not be treated as a compliance exercise, but must be designed to create lasting value and to allow communities to participate in the project over the long term.
