Climate Resilience in Action
Agriculture and ESG: We’re only food secure when farmers are profitable
Daneel Rossouw, Head of Sales for Nedbank Agriculture, says that sustainability can be both a moral imperative and a commercial opportunity if approached strategically.
"It’s about understanding the finite capacity of natural resources and how we can use them, not only responsibly but also strategically to increase production. We believe the key lies in adopting a balanced and strategic approach to investing in sustainability in agribusinesses because, ultimately, this ensures improvements in your bottom line. In other words, it’s about sustaining your business while also contributing to national food security."
Nedbank urges medium-sized businesses to accelerate sustainability efforts
South African businesses are no strangers to disruption. Although the electricity supply has stabilised, deeper structural challenges are emerging. Global decarbonisation demands, water constraints, and tightening trade requirements are forcing companies to rethink how they operate. A survey by SAGE, the International Chamber of Commerce, and PwC UK found that 70% of South African SMEs view sustainability as a priority, yet only 4% report on their actual impact.
Kudzayi Mazikana, Head of Sustainability at Nedbank Business and Commercial Banking, warns that this gap between intention and implementation is risky. 'Businesses that delay transition planning risk higher costs, missed opportunities, and possible exclusion from global value chains."
A recent survey by Nedbank Business and Commercial Banking reveals that while many large South African corporates are already planning their sustainability transitions, most medium-sized businesses are lagging.
Nedbank Commercial Banking enables our partners with the products and services they need to sustain their businesses in ways that are commercially sound, yet sustainable and supportive of the economy and the people who rely on it for their livelihoods.
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