By Maphuti Mongatane

At a recent industry and agricultural stakeholder dinner forum held in Pretoria, Nathalie Hendricks, Coca-Cola’s regional public affairs, communication and sustainability manager, delivered a thought-provoking address about a topic that resonates with every business leader and farmer in South Africa today: the critical role of infrastructure and partnership in enabling industries – especially agriculture – to thrive.

Hendricks began by acknowledging that the definition of “industry” was evolving: “Farmers today are no longer just farmers; they are industrialists too. Their operations depend on efficiency, technology and supply chains. And for all of us in this room, no matter the size of our businesses, we cannot exist without infrastructure that works.”

She said that even with world-class products and exceptional talent, companies could not succeed without accessibility and efficiency. “Just like your business,” she said, “our business depends on things as simple and yet as critical as water and electricity.”

Highlighting the consequences of failing infrastructure, Hendricks painted a vivid picture: “Imagine a day without water, even just a weekend. Suddenly your cooldrinks can’t stay cold, safety and hygiene are compromised, and farmers cannot irrigate or process their products. It’s a chain reaction.”

She underscored Coca-Cola’s long-standing commitment to South Africa: “Our factory in Pretoria West is celebrating 50 years this year, a clear sign of deep roots and continuous investment. And every year we continue to invest not just money but also confidence, because that’s what takes us forward.”

Collaboration is key to overcoming challenges

She didn’t shy away from the country’s challenges: “Our key questions remain: Can we keep the lights on, keep the water flowing, move our goods to market? Too often, delays, red tape and breakdowns slow us down. We don’t just need service providers. We also need strategic business partners. We need municipal teams that understand the urgency, because when your crop is ready or your delivery is due, you cannot afford to wait weeks.”

She also acknowledged the immense responsibilities municipalities face, especially in serving vulnerable communities – a mission Coca-Cola fully supports. But she called for a balanced approach: “We must find the middle ground: true partnership. It’s not about asking what the city can do for us; it’s about what we can do together. For example, we know our industry uses a lot of water, and that’s why we are already investing in ways to give back to the communities we operate in.”

Collaboration is key. “If industry and local government work as one unified force, we can do so much more. Let’s not sit across the table; let’s sit on the same side. Let’s build a city and a province that thrives, that attracts investment, and that makes doing business easier than anywhere else in South Africa.”

Hendricks closed with a direct appeal to municipal colleagues: “Help us deliver. Let’s keep the dialogue going. Let’s ensure the infrastructure works. Let’s make this partnership real – because whether you’re a major global brand or a small cucumber farmer, we face the same issues and need the same solutions: efficiency, predictability and partnership.”