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Press Release


“By promoting the adoption of closing-the-loop production patterns within an economic system, the Circular Economy aims to increase the efficiency of resource use to achieve a better balance and harmony between economy, environment and society.”

These were the opening words of Edna Molewa, South Africa’s Minister of Environmental Affairs, at the South Africa-European Union Seminar on Circular Economy, held in Durban on 4 May 2017. The African Sustainability Summit Green Pitch team was there to represent the African Sustainable Development Association (A-SDA), as the countdown begins towards its exciting showpiece of the Summit event on the 29th of June.

While the EU Seminar specifically seeks to discuss the links between the circular economy and Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), in particular SDG numbers 8 and 12, both this event and the African Sustainability Summit share a common purpose: to bring together cross-industry but like-minded experts and leaders to foster relationships that are united by a common desire to see resilient and sustainable business in the communities they impact. The EU Seminar on Circular Economy attracted a large number of European and South African experts and dignitaries who were there to discuss the benefits of circular economy, from both the economic and environmental perspectives.

Another commonality between the EU Seminar and the African Sustainability Summit is the built-in platform for sustainable business incubation, whereby entrepreneurs have the opportunity to pitch their innovative business strategies for sustained business performance or showcase their existing businesses. Green Pitch and The African Sustainability Summit was invited by Freek van Eijk, Seminar Programme Manager and Managing Director of Acceleration, to participate in the event by facilitating and judging “The Startup Challenge”.

The startups pitched to the audience through three rounds about their business. First, each startup had 60 seconds to introduce their business to the audience. They were challenged to tell the audience about their team and what they need as a business to grow in two consecutive pitching rounds of 30 seconds each. Thereafter the audience gave their feedback and indicated where they could make connections meet or be of help to the startup. Normally with a boxing match, there is only one winner. At the EU Circular Economy seminar, each startup is a winner and gained support from the audience. Each startup also received an entry into the Green Pitch programme taking place in June. The entrepreneurs included Sealand Gear, SK8 Shades, Temave Manufacturers, Greenville Renewable and Closing the Loop.

Bernice Robbertse, Chief Startup Officer at Green Pitch, said of the event, “It always excites me to see entrepreneurs making new connections and creating possibilities for new collaborations. On the flip side, I love seeing corporates who are so willing to help entrepreneurs and small businesses by getting involved in the development thereof.” She concluded by saying, “I was really impressed by the level of commitment from both the entrepreneurs and corporates – not only in South Africa, but throughout Africa as well.”

Bernice is responsible for The Green Pitch, which will be taking place at the African Sustainability Summit on 29 June at the JSE. Aside from having the opportunity to showcase their innovative businesses, the entrepreneurs will also be able to expand their networks, learn to effectively pitch their businesses, make connections with corporates for potential collaboration, gain access to potential funding opportunities and engage with mentors.

During her address at the EU Seminar, Minister Molewa said, “The circular economy is now gaining traction in many countries – both developed and underdeveloped.” It is one thing to participate as a passive observer, but quite another to be an actual part of a net positive impact. As such, the A-SDA looks forward to being a part of this conscious movement for change at the African Sustainability Summit events in June and October 2017 in collaboration with other bold leaders.

ENDS

Words: 633

For information about The African Sustainability Summit and Green Pitch

Surisa Nel, Summit COO

E-mail: surisa.nel@blankcanvas.co.za

Tel: 083 459 1907 / 012 844 0136

ABOUT THE AFRICAN SUSTAINABILITY SUMMIT:

Sustainability extends ecological awareness and can only be attained through true understanding and cross-industry collaboration. The Summit is a platform for business leaders across industry to share success stories and case studies on sustainable solutions for our diverse economic reality. These success stories includes infrastructure design, sustainable communities and technological solutions. The Summit provides the ideal environment for trusted collaboration and co-creation of more sustainable and agile business in South Africa and Africa at large. Collaboration is vital between government, public and the private sectors to develop sustainable growth solutions and co-create innovative models, products or solutions enabled by a more creative mindset.

The Summit model is sustainable in itself as it seeks to extend its outcomes through the establishment of focussed communities of practice. The sharing and replication of solutions, alongside good corporate governance, and entrepreneurial development enables improved business performance – and ultimately more businesses which thrive. The next big event is on the 29th of June at the JSE.

Through its associations and partnerships, the Summit supports, showcases and recognises the role of leadership in the management of innovation and technology as it relates to growth, differentiation and sustainable development.


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