By Lebogang Mashala
As South Africa confronts escalating climate risks, water scarcity and economic inequality, the financial sector has a crucial role to play in fostering a sustainable future.
Khensani Nobanda, the Group Executive for Marketing and Corporate Affairs at Nedbank, made an important statement during the recent launch of the Nedbank Purpose Storytelling event in Bryanston, Johannesburg.
To highlight the consequences of inaction, Nedbank’s latest Purpose Storytelling initiative uses artificial intelligence to predict what South Africa could look like in 2100 if the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) are not met. The projections reveal serious issues, including severe water shortages, economic instability and a significantly unbalanced ecosystem. However, this campaign is more than just a warning; it acts as a call to action.
Nedbank emphasised that, beyond simply aligning with global sustainability trends, it actively drives change through strategic partnerships and innovative solutions that have a positive impact on communities and the environment.
“This campaign is more than just a wake-up call, it is a roadmap for urgent, collective action. We believe through sustainable finance and purposeful investment, we can change the trajectory of South Africa’s future,” stated Nobanda.
To pursue this goal, Nedbank has invested in transformative initiatives that address critical environmental and social challenges through two key projects: Kusini Water and the uMzimvubu Catchment Partnership Programme (UCPP). These projects demonstrate the bank’s commitment to fostering positive change.
Nobanda pointed out that water scarcity is one of South Africa’s most pressing challenges, with millions lacking access to clean drinking water. She added that Kusini Water, a social enterprise supported by Nedbank, is revolutionising water access through innovative technology and community-driven solutions.
“Our goal is simple: to provide sustainable and safe water to underserved communities,” explained Murendeni Mafumo, founder of Kusini Water. “With Nedbank’s support, we’ve been able to expand our reach by deploying solar-powered filtration systems that utilise nanotechnology to purify water efficiently and sustainably,” Mafumo elaborated.
According to Nabanda, Nedbank has played a vital role in the rollout of water filtration systems in rural and peri-urban communities through its partnership, ensuring the fundamental right to access clean water is realised. The project has already produced 1 508 kilolitres of water, supported over 80 enterprises, and upskilled 200 individuals, creating employment opportunities and fostering long-term sustainability.
While securing access to water is crucial, protecting natural water sources is equally important. The UCPP, in collaboration with WWF and local stakeholders, is working to restore one of South Africa’s most vital river systems. “The degradation of our water catchment areas threatens both biodiversity and community livelihoods,” said Samir Randera-Rees, corporate relations manager of Nedbank Green Trust/WWF.
“By restoring ecosystems and promoting sustainable land management, we are safeguarding water security for local communities and downstream economies,” Randera-Rees added.
He said with Nedbank’s investment in this initiative, degraded landscapes in the Eastern Cape are being restored, which improves water quality, enhances biodiversity and secures livelihoods for local communities. “The programme has successfully protected 45 natural springs, supplying clean and reliable water to over 42 000 people while integrating sustainable farming and rangeland management practices to create economic opportunities.”
In line with this vision, Nedbank’s YouthX initiative celebrates young entrepreneurs like Ngangelizwe Mathunjwa, the founder of Aero Greens, an agritech startup using sustainable, soil-less vertical farming to reduce water usage by 98% and produce high-quality crops year-round. YouthX supports innovators committed to sustainability and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), with a focus on water conservation and climate action.
“YouthX has been transformative, helping us expand Aero Greens and make a bigger impact on water scarcity, food security and climate change,” said Mathunjwa.
Nobanda said through partnerships with startups like Aero Greens, Nedbank is dedicated to fostering sustainable businesses that contribute to a better future for South Africa and beyond.
“At Nedbank, we view sustainability not as an optional add-on, but as a core pillar of our business strategy,” said Nobanda.
“Financial institutions have a unique responsibility and opportunity to drive sustainability at scale. Through green finance, impact-driven investments and partnerships with organisations like Kusini Water and the UCPP, we are proving that finance can be a force for good.”
