David Mahlobo Keynotes at 2026 Future of Sustainability Conference in Johannesburg

Water and Sanitation Deputy Minister David Mahlobo will deliver a keynote address tonight at the 2026 Future of Sustainability Conference in Johannesburg. The event draws sustainability leaders, policymakers, CEOs, academics, and industry specialists from South Africa and across Africa. It matters now because the conference tackles key challenges like business strategies, partnerships, and innovation amid climate and resource pressures. This article covers confirmed facts, relevant context, implications, and near-term developments, based on SAnews.gov.za.

The conference runs for two days in Fourways, Johannesburg. It started on Tuesday, March 24, 2026.

Mahlobo’s keynote is set for this evening, March 25, 2026. His speech will focus on strengthening partnerships at local, national, and global levels. He will highlight the Blue Deal as a model for cooperation and progress, according to a Department of Water and Sanitation statement reported by SAnews.gov.za.

The conference began in 2011. It grew from a partnership between Topco Media and the United Nations. That collaboration produced the official publication for COP17, the United Nations Climate Change Conference.

Today, it serves as a key platform for sustainability talks in Africa. It brings together leaders to discuss challenges and solutions.

This year’s program includes expert panels on challenges in South Africa and Africa. One panel, hosted by HEINEKEN Beverages, looks at green waste entrepreneurs. It explores how they turn waste into jobs in the circular economy.

Another session, with the UN Global Compact Network South Africa, covers urban water security. It stresses public-private-community partnerships, backed by case studies from SAnews.gov.za.

Mahlobo’s address calls for action. It urges collaboration across society and investment in innovation and capacity building, per the department’s statement. Delegates will learn about resource scarcity, resilient infrastructure, climate adaptation, new technologies, business models, reporting, and leadership.

The conference is underway now. Mahlobo’s address comes this evening.

Delegates will gain practical guidance on these topics. The two-day event continues to offer insights for attendees, as noted by SAnews.gov.za.