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Branding vs. marketing: Why knowing the difference could be the key to sustainable business growth

In a world where attention spans are short and digital content is everywhere, businesses are under increasing pressure to communicate clearly and connect meaningfully. Yet one of the most common misunderstandings among growing organisations and purpose-led enterprises lies in confusing branding with marketing.

According to Get Published, an established Cape Town-based PR agency that works closely with small businesses, NGOs and social enterprises, this confusion can lead to short-term wins but long-term challenges. Understanding the distinction between branding and marketing and how they work together is vital for building not just visibility, but credibility and loyalty.

Branding: The foundation of trust and identity

Branding goes beyond design, logos, or slogans. It’s the perception people have of your organisation shaped by what you stand for, how you communicate, and the emotional connections you create over time. It’s a long-term, strategic process that defines who you are and why you matter.

“Your brand is your promise to your audience,” says Nadia Hearn, founder of Get Published. “It’s what people say about you when you’re not in the room. If you want to build something meaningful that lasts, branding is where it starts.”

While branding can often feel intangible, its role is deeply practical. A strong brand provides internal clarity and external consistency. It helps teams make decisions aligned with values, and it enables audiences to form emotional ties that go far beyond products or services.

Marketing: Driving awareness and action

Marketing, on the other hand, is the execution—how an organisation promotes its offerings and engages with its audience in real time. Whether through digital campaigns, email newsletters, press coverage or paid media, marketing’s role is to generate interest, drive conversions, and keep the business visible and relevant.

“Marketing is where you show up,” says Hearn. “It’s responsive and ever-changing. It helps you meet your audience where they are, but without a strong brand behind it, the message can become diluted or forgettable.”

Marketing strategies often shift based on trends, campaign goals or platform algorithms. Branding, by contrast, is slower to change—anchored in the long-term purpose and personality of the organisation.

Side-by-side strategic overview
BrandingMarketing
Defines who you are
Promotes what you do
Long-term and strategicShort to mid-term and tactical
Creates emotional connectionDrives visibility and engagement
Evolves slowlyResponds quickly to trends
Builds loyalty and trustDelivers measurable outcomes

When strategy meets storytelling

The most successful organisations understand that branding and marketing are not opposing forces they’re complementary. Marketing might drive someone to click on your ad, but branding is the reason they stick around. Branding inspires word-of-mouth, repeat engagement, and lasting advocacy.

This is especially true for organisations working to make a positive impact. Purpose-driven enterprises are held to a higher standard they must demonstrate integrity, authenticity and clarity. Consistent branding helps meet those expectations, while thoughtful marketing ensures the message is heard.

This strategic balance should be at the core of every campaign. “Our work starts with purpose,” says Hearn. “If we understand the values behind a brand, we can help them communicate with impact—whether through media relations, digital content or community engagement.”

The takeaway

For business owners and key management who want more than quick wins, understanding the difference between branding and marketing isn’t just helpful – it’s essential. Marketing gets your message out. Branding ensures that message is meaningful, memorable and aligned with your values.

As audiences become more discerning, authenticity becomes your most valuable asset. Investing in both branding and marketing – thoughtfully and strategically is what separates noise from resonance, and followers from advocates. 

For more PR and marketing communications insights sign-up for the Get Published newsletter at www.get-published.co.za or follow Nadia Hearn https://www.linkedin.com/in/nadiahearn. 

Showcasing Bellville’s urban innovation at 2025 IDA World Towns Leadership Summit

Warren Hewitt, CEO of the Greater Tygerberg Partnership addresses attendees.

Bellville, Cape Town’s second-largest business node, proudly stepped into the global spotlight as the Greater Tygerberg Partnership (GTP) recently co-hosted the 2025 International Downtown Association (IDA) World Towns Leadership Summit. Alongside the Central City Improvement District (CCID) and other partners, GTP welcomed international urban experts to Cape Town – and to Bellville specifically – for a collaborative, solutions-focused gathering on the future of our urban spaces.

The summit, themed The Value of Downtowns and City Centres in a Changing World, brought together urban specialists, public-private partnership leaders, and place-makers from across the globe. The event sparked bold conversations and established global connections aimed at improving communities through innovative, people-first urban development.

“Bellville is a dynamic and densely populated area facing its own set of challenges, but ones that mirror what many downtowns experience globally,” said Warren Hewitt, CEO of the Greater Tygerberg Partnership. “We were thrilled to give our international peers a glimpse into the realities and opportunities here. We hope they left not just with insights from our work in Bellville, like our waste centre and public realm innovations, but also with a sense of the unique energy and possibility that exists here. We love hosting and are excited to continue building connections that shape lasting change.”

David Downey, President and CEO of the International Downtown Association.

According to David Downey, President and CEO of the International Downtown Association, the summit marked a powerful moment of global exchange and the start of a new, collective vision for the future of cities.

“This gathering allowed our international peers to explore how urban challenges are being addressed in diverse contexts, including right here in Bellville. We saw how GTP is tackling issues like homelessness, workforce development, and the maintenance of public spaces in a way that aligns with global best practice while remaining deeply rooted in local needs. These are exactly the kinds of collaborations our industry needs, where the public and private sectors work hand-in-hand to shape inclusive, thriving communities,” Downey said.

As part of the summit, GTP hosted an interactive Design Thinking Workshop in Bellville, a key session that sparked critical dialogue around the complex challenges facing urban centres around the world. The workshop created a space for shared learning, where delegates exchanged insights, co-created solutions, and explored how placemaking can be used to address local and global challenges, from managing waste and informal economies to strengthening community pride and cohesion.

Leading Through Partnership

Executive Mayor of Cape Town, Geordin Hill-Lewis.

For the GTP, co-hosting the IDA Summit wasn’t just an opportunity to showcase Bellville but an affirmation of their overall unique approach to urban transformation. As the go-to, trusted, and connected urban specialist, GTP’s work is deeply embedded in community co-creation, place-led solutions, and evidence-based innovation. Through area promotion, economic revitalisation, and environmental regeneration, GTP creates restored neighbourhoods people can call home.

“Our work at GTP is grounded in the belief that places grow when people do,” added Hewitt. “That’s why we focus on partnerships that turn conversations into action. Whether it’s upskilling youth, supporting local entrepreneurs, or rethinking public spaces, we work alongside communities to co-create solutions – building a renewed sense of belonging and creating better places people are proud of.”

As the go-to, trusted, and connected urban specialist, GTP’s work is deeply embedded in community co-creation, place-led solutions, and evidence-based innovation. Through area promotion, economic revitalisation, and environmental regeneration, GTP creates restored neighbourhoods’ people can call home.

As the summit concluded with momentum and shared purpose, Bellville stood not only as a host city but as an urban laboratory, offering practical examples of how place-based innovation, when done with and for the community, can spark hope, unlock opportunity, and shape lasting change.

For more information visit www.gtp.org.za.

More from the GTP

Infrastructure South Africa, SAICE and SACPCMP set to headline Big 5 Construct South Africa and South Africa Infrastructure & Water Expo 

  • More than 30 CPD-certified sessions designed to address project delivery, professional standards, resilience and regulatory compliance mandates
  • Four themes across the South Africa Infrastructure & Water Forum host senior leaders and government representatives exploring funding strategies, policy alignment and project execution
  • Infra360 Talks, Water360 Talks and Big 5 Talks to provide practical insights across key industry verticals, spotlighting ethical practices, workforce skills and digital construction.

The South African construction market is valued at around $125 billion and the broader infrastructure market at $193 billion (source: AbiQ). As the country gains momentum, showing measurable gains on a challenging 2024, Big 5 Construct South Africa and South Africa Infrastructure & Water Expo take place at the Gallagher Convention Centre from 18-20 June 2025.

The events’ technical programmes and critical knowledge platforms draw some of the region’s most influential construction, infrastructure and water experts, thanks to the calibre of the speakers and real-world insights. With the government committing more than $50 billion towards construction and infrastructure development over the next decade, the sector is positioned as a key driver of South Africa’s economic recovery, underpinned by public-private partnerships and investments, bringing together industry leaders to connect and expand their networks (source: AbiQ).

Built around South Africa’s infrastructure growth targets, national planning frameworks and the need for skill-advancement, the 2025 event includes more than 30 CPD-accredited sessions across four distinct knowledge streams. These sessions are designed to deliver actionable insights for public and private stakeholders working to accelerate the country’s infrastructure, water and construction landscape goals.

Building a future of resilience and professional best practices

The two-day South Africa Infrastructure & Water Forum, taking place alongside South Africa Infrastructure and Water Expo for the first time, provides a high-level environment for senior decision-makers, focusing on policy alignment, sustainable delivery models and practical funding frameworks.

Backed by the government’s $54 billion (R1 trillion) infrastructure commitment and initiatives like the National Infrastructure Plan 2050 and the Transmission Development Plan, the first day of the forum will offer attendees insights and focused conversations on infrastructure priorities such as power, logistics, and public-private partnerships (Source: Republic of South Africa). Day two will focus on water sector challenges and solutions, including South Africa’s high water loss rates, upcoming reforms like the National Water Resource Infrastructure Agency, and the $8.44 billion (R156.3 billion) investment to expand dams and bulk supply systems.

With the theme, ‘Building Tomorrow: Innovating Infrastructure and Water Solutions for a Thriving South Africa’, the forum’s agenda responds to South Africa’s infrastructure. It will explore funding and finance strategies for mega infrastructure projects, policy frameworks supporting infrastructure delivery, sustainable approaches to water resilience and efficiency and collaborative solutions to manage regulatory barriers and delayed delivery.

“Our content programme has been developed to reflect the full scale of transformation underway in South Africa’s infrastructure, water and construction sectors,” said Josine Heijmans, Senior Vice President – Construction, dmg events. “With government-led development driving renewed momentum and private sector contribution growing, these sessions will provide professionals with tangible insights into overcoming obstacles and unlocking opportunities.”

One of the key highlights at South Africa Infrastructure & Water Forum will be the session led by Mameetse Masemola, Acting Head of Infrastructure South Africa, exploring the National Infrastructure Development Plan.

Building on this, a high-level panel discussion on Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs), moderated by Alvino Wildschutt-Prins, Programme Manager and Exco Member: Infrastructure Pipeline Delivery & Management at Infrastructure South Africa, with panellists:

  • Johnson Kilangi, Founder & Chief Executive Officer at Miundo Misingi Hub which is an infrastructure hub incorporated in Kenya;
  • Wynand Dreyer, Director at Dreyer Project Dynamics;
  • John Samuel, a PPP Special Advisor from J Maynard; and
  • Hendrik Malan, Partner & Africa Chief Executive Officer at Frost & Sullivan.

Other speakers featured on the programme are:

  • Shabari Shaily-Gerber, Head of Urban Economic Development at the British High Commission;
  • Mike Salawou, Director, Infrastructure and Urban Development Department from the African Development Bank; and
  • Rembu Magoba, Manager at the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) Water Research Centre, covering a cross-continental perspective on infrastructure policy, research, funding and implementation.

Infra360 and Water360: New lenses on project delivery and sustainability

Free-to-attend for registered visitors, Infra360 and Water360 serve as deep-dive discussions into the practical and strategic issues impacting infrastructure and water system performance. These CPD-certified sessions are designed to equip attendees with knowledge and resources for project planning, risk mitigation and compliance.

Sessions at Infra360 will cover themes such as digital infrastructure and leveraging BIM, 5D planning and digital twin technology, ethics and governance and building a future-ready construction workforce. In one of the key sessions, Sindi Kwenaite, Operations Executive, South African Council for the Project and Construction Management Professions (SACPCMP) will highlight professional registration and its importance in a VUCA Environment.

Water360 will spotlight water system resilience and sustainable infrastructure development. With recurring drought, urban demand and resource scarcity at the forefront of national discussion. Sessions include presentations on smart water grids, efficient wastewater reuse and decentralised distribution. Contributions from industry specialists such as David Crawley, Head of Product Line at Kwikot and Heinrich Ueckermann, Business Development Manager at Freudenberg Performance Materials will highlight how efficiency-led design and sustainable product engineering can support long-term water security.

Prioritizing high-level skills development

The CPD-accredited Big 5 Talks will return as a core platform for knowledge exchange, strategic discussions and the professional development of construction professionals. Tyrelle Correa of Mirabilis Engineering Insurance Specialists will present practical strategies to close liability gaps in project coverage, while Sanjay Munnoo, President of Saiosh, will share insight into behavioural safety and the cultural shift required to reduce risks across the construction lifecycle. The agenda also includes sessions addressing modular interiors, sustainable housing, and the value of lifelong learning and upskilling as the sector continues to evolve.

“The 2025 programme is closely aligned with South Africa’s economic recovery priorities and the delivery timelines associated with the National Development Plan 2030,” noted Heijmans. “From actionable insights and knowledge sharing to business networking with key brands across the construction value chain, this year’s Big 5 Construct South Africa and South Africa Infrastructure & Water Expo will create a space for candid conversations, practical guidance and policy-aligned thinking.”

Registration for Big 5 Construct South Africa and South Africa Infrastructure & Water Expo is free of charge for industry professionals aged 18 and above.

CPD points will be awarded for eligible talks. Separate registration is required for the South Africa Infrastructure & Water Forum, and seats are limited.

Tree health gets a tech boost

Machine learning and microscopic images give details about root growth in the mini-rhizotron system created by Yasmin de Raay.

Two Master’s in Engineering students from Stellenbosch University, Yasmin de Raay and Chris Erasmus, have advanced to the international round of the 2025 Blue Sky Young Researchers and Innovation competition. Their projects impressed the Paper Manufacturers Association of South Africa (PAMSA) for their originality and relevance to the forestry sector which plays a key role in producing wood and paper.

Managed by the International Council of Forestry and Paper Associations (ICFPA), this competition seeks projects from researchers under 30 who are working in forest-based science, products using wood, pulp or paper as a raw material, process improvements or other innovations throughout the forestry-sector value chain.

Chris Erasmus has developed a wireless dendrometer that tracks growth patterns, water dynamics and environmental stress.

As first and second place winners in the South African competition, Erasmus and De Raay will see their projects judged against those from the United States, Canada, Europe and Australia. An international panel will select the top three global finalists who will then present their projects at the ICFPA CEO Global Roundtable in New York.

“As a sector that has for decades centred around the renewability of wood, both of these projects offer significant value for forestry companies by enhancing sustainable forest management and improving crop yields,” says Jane Molony, PAMSA Executive Director. “This in turn supports the sustainable supply of wood into pulp, paper and sawn timber industries.”

Innovative solutions in agritech and forestry

Both submissions focused on the monitoring of aspects of tree health which plays a critical role in tree resilience and resource optimisation by using technology to capture and analyse data continuously and remotely.

Erasmus, who is completing a Master’s in Electrical and Electronic Engineering, has developed a wireless dendrometer and environmental sensing system tailored for the forestry industry. This solar-powered device tracks tree growth patterns, water dynamics and environmental stressors such as temperature, humidity and soil moisture with precision. It offers a cost-effective, low-maintenance solution, reducing the need for human intervention while ensuring consistent accuracy and reliability.

“Our dendrometer allows seamless, real-time monitoring of trees’ daily growth variations, using advanced technology to overcome the limitations of traditional analogue systems, which are prone to noise and interference,” notes Erasmus.

De Raay is pursuing a Master’s degree in Industrial Engineering, specialising in agritech, with a strong focus on integrating technology and nature conservation. “My honours and master’s theses both focus on agritech and through my work in the open-air eucalyptus laboratory, I’ve had the opportunity to apply engineering to sustainable forestry,” she explains.

Her project introduces a mini-rhizotron system designed to remotely monitor root growth and dynamics in forestry plantations. By using machine-learning techniques and capturing microscopic images of roots, this system provides continuous, cost-effective access to vital root-growth data, even in remote field settings, improving resource optimisation without sacrificing quality.

“We are excited by this ingenuity, which not only highlights South Africa’s scientific talent but also has the potential to make a meaningful impact in our sector,” says Molony.

Take deep breaths in South Africa’s forests

Did you know that many of South Africa’s timber plantations are open to the public to enjoy a variety of recreational pursuits? According to Forestry South Africa, there is something for everyone to enjoy in the mosaic of our country’s indigenous forests and timber plantations.

You might be an outdoor enthusiast wanting to test your endurance along the hundreds of kilometres of mountain bike tracks, trail running routes and hiking trails or perhaps a nature lover or budding ornithologist. You can take in the array of wildlife and natural features like South Africa’s significant waterfalls and nature reserves found within the mosaic of indigenous forests and timber plantations.

Biking on Sappi recreational trails. Photo: Sappi

Add these to your summer holiday bucket list by clicking on the interactive map link below. There are various attractions, trails, routes, drives, walks, picnic sites and accommodation waiting to be discovered South Africa’s forestry-owned land.

Fact: The trees grown in timber plantations are planted for use in pulp, paper, packaging, sawn timber, poles and furniture. They are a renewable resource which means that they are planted, responsibly grown and managed over a number of years, then harvested once they are mature. Only 10% of the total plantation area is harvested in one year. The compartments are then planted with new saplings within the same year.

These trees also absorb carbon dioxide and release oxygen. So, take a deep breath when you are among the trees.

Visit: https://www.forestrysouthafrica.co.za/recreation/

Hiking trail in a South African forest. Photo: Forestry South Africa

Addressing the skills gap and supporting young supply chain leaders

Gamification and AI are transforming the learning experience. Image supplied; SAPICS

Recognising the imperative to address this, the organisation has lined up a presentations, panel discussions and initiatives aimed at supporting and growing a pipeline of young supply chain talent at the upcoming SAPICS Conference in Cape Town. This annual event, which is now in its 47th year, is Africa’s leading learning, knowledge sharing and networking event for the supply chain profession.

Experts participating in an important panel discussion this year will explore strategies to equip and empower young professionals – from mentorship and industry partnerships to skills development initiatives. Success stories will be shared and actionable steps for organisations outlined. This important session will examine how collaboration between academia, government and the private sector can build a resilient, future-ready workforce, SAPICS states.

Yaseen Ahmid

The panel discussion will be facilitated by Yaseen Ahmid, CEO and founder of the Circular Economy Institute of Africa in South Africa.

He will be joined by panellists Prof. PJ Kilbourn, associate professor and senior deputy head of the University of Johannesburg’s Transport and Supply Chain Management Department, Asekhona Ngeno, the corporate supply chain director at Procter and Gamble, Azel van der Walt, the IMEA head of Logistics at Maersk, and Nicole Petersen, the programme manager for the South African Graduate Employers Association (SAGEA).

How AI and gamification are reinventing supply chain learning is the topic of a 2025 SAPICS Conference presentation by France-based Laurent Vigouroux, a supply chain expert, b2wise brand ambassador and winner of the renowned French award “King of Supply Chain”. According to Vigouroux, traditional supply chain training often struggles to engage participants and drive real-world results.

Laurent Vigouroux

Gamification and AI are transforming the learning experience, with serious games like DDBrix simplifying complex concepts, fostering collaboration and boosting retention. Attendees will learn how AI personalises training, identifies skill gaps and enhances decision-making.  

Missing skills can slow down or stop the flow in a supply chain, turning into a bottleneck, stock outs and delivery delays. A 2025 SAPICS Conference presentation by leading international supply chain management expert and author Caroline Mondon will introduce attendees to the Demand Driven Skills Model (DDSM). It allows organisations to locate and size skill buffers in order to protect the operational flow in a supply chain.

This year, SAPICS has partnered with sponsors Industrial Logistics Systems (ILS) and Bertling to enable 20 students from institutions including Stellenbosch University and the University of South Africa (UNISA) to attend the conference. This forms part of the SAPICS youth development programme, which aims to upskill and empower young graduates and professionals for career success in the important and dynamic supply chain profession, address the skills gap in the supply chain field and fight the country’s high youth unemployment rate.

The 2025 SAPICS Conference takes place in Cape Town from 8 to 11 June 2025.

To find out more or to register to attend, contact event organiser Upavon Management by emailing info@upavon.co.za or calling +27 11 023 6701

Initiatives in Ennerdale highlights Air Products’ commitment to make a difference

Air Products representatives Maropeng Bahula, Byron Ah Tow, Charles Dos Santos, Gift Nyambe, Mr Rickets (Odin Park Primary), Sizwe Nkonde and Arthi Govender proudly displays the plaque.

The strategic focus of Air Products’ Corporate Social Investment (CSI) is on the youth and education, as well as to give back to the communities in which they operate.

The CSI committee encourages employees to nominate entities in the communities where they work and live, who need assistance. The Odin Park Primary School in Ennerdale, which is close to the company’s flagship facility in Vanderbijlpark, was nominated by an employee, Byron Ah Tow, who attended this school as a learner some years ago.

The pre-primary school was initially included as part of the WitnessHappiness initiative, which focuses on early childhood development centres (ECDs) for a period of three years.

During this time, Air Products provided learning aids for learners and teachers, with a specific focus on maths and science.

The primary school needed infrastructure developments, and Air Products committed to fund a few projects. Sixteen wash stations were built at the school to provide learners with access to clean water. To address the ongoing frustration of water outages in the area, and not having water to drink or flush toilets, Air Products donated a JoJo tank, which will assist in overcoming this difficult situation.

A vegetable garden was also created for the school, and the vegetables will be used as part of the school’s feeding scheme.

The team from Air Products were proud to hand over the wash stations and JoJo tank to the Odin Park Primary School principal and learners during a celebration event at the school.

During a recent event to celebrate the relationship with Odin Park Primary School, Air Products’ MD Charles Dos Santos, told the teachers that they should never underestimate the role that they play in shaping the lives of learners and they will be remembered for years to come.

Arthi Govender, Chairperson of the CSI Committee, mentioned that Odin Park Primary School, like most other government schools in the country need to accommodate learners from impoverished surrounding areas whose parents are not in a position to pay school fees. As a result, schools are faced with having to maintain the infrastructure, which is costly, and a difficult task for schools. She concluded by commenting that Air Products strives to make a difference to learners, teachers, and the community at large and encouraged them to look after the donations they have received.

In addition to the event where Odin Park teachers, members of the governing body, Air Products executives and other employees attended, the learners were not left behind. More than 1 000 learners were treated with lunch packs to join in the celebrations.

Byron Ah Tow and Arthi Govender from Air Products assisted with handing out the lunch packs to the learners during a recent celebration event at Odin Park Primary in Ennerdale. Byron was a learner at the school.

Odin Park Primary School principal, Mr Rickets, highlighted the importance of donations from companies such as Air Products and expressed their appreciation for the long-term assistance they received. He also thanked the company for embracing nominations from employees such as Byron Ah Tow, which has brought new hope and excitement to the school.

For more information about Air Products, visit https://airproducts.co.za/

 

Tshwane Energy Summit 2025

The Tshwane Energy Summit (TES) serves as a pivotal communication platform and premier gathering of energy industry leaders, policymakers and stakeholders focused on driving sustainable energy solutions for the City of Tshwane.

The second edition of TES 2025 will be held on 13 June 2025 at CSIR Convention Centre in Pretoria.

The TES2025 is presented under the overarching theme: “Energy is a Catalyst for Economic Development”. This prestigious summit will be co-located within the U20 2025 Mayoral Assembly, an esteemed global platform promoting urban dialogue, collaboration and diplomacy, taking place from 12 to 13 June 2025.

The Tshwane Energy Summit 2025 will feature a robust programme including keynote addresses, exhibition platforms, business networking, and matchmaking opportunities for companies showcasing innovative energy technologies, products, and services. The event aims to foster knowledge exchange, promote sustainable and alternative energy solutions, and enhance inter-provincial and continental trade under the framework of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).  

To assert its role in energy discussions, traditionally dominated by regions like the Western Cape and other global and private parties. By addressing its energy challenges proactively, Tshwane not only aims for a consistent energy supply but also enhances its appeal as a prime destination for investment and tourism, aligning with the objectives of the Tshwane Economic Development Agency (TEDA).

For more information, visit https://teda.org.za/tes2025/

Fair prices for a fairer future

Fair pricing helps smallholder farmers survive. Photo: John Young

Smallholder farmers and workers are the backbone of global food production, supplying nearly one-third of the world’s food. Despite their essential role, these farmers and workers are often trapped in cycles of poverty due to unfair global market practices that undervalue their work and products. Now, more than ever, fair pricing is critical to securing their livelihoods, building resilient communities and addressing global challenges like food security and climate change.

In South Africa, there are over two-million smallholder or household farmers compared to just 35 000 commercial growers. Many of these smallholder farmers depend on their land not only to feed their families but also to produce surplus crops for trade or income. However, their hard work and vital contributions are under increasing threat.

“Farming sustains 40% of the global population, particularly in rural areas where it is the primary source of income,” says Paul Colditz, Commercial Director at Fairtrade Africa. “Smallholder farmers, who manage plots often smaller than 10ha, compete in global markets under extremely challenging conditions. Without fair prices, they face precarious livelihoods that limit their ability to invest in sustainable practices or protect against climate risks.”

In South Africa, these challenges are compounded by the changing climate. Extreme weather events, including droughts, floods, heatwaves and excessive winds, are becoming more frequent. These events damage crops, erode soils and reduce the ability of land to sustain grazing livestock or support crop yields. This not only affects local food security for millions but also undermines the livelihoods of smallholder farmers.

Fair pricing offers a solution. Fairtrade’s minimum price model ensures producers receive a baseline safety net when market prices drop, enabling them to cover basic needs and reinvest in sustainable farming methods. Additionally, long-term contracts foster stability and empower farmers to plan ahead, weather crises and combat climate-related challenges.

“Fair pricing isn’t just about economic justice,” Colditz explains. “It’s about ensuring that the people who grow our food have the dignity of a sustainable livelihood and the means to contribute to a healthier planet.”

Fair pricing offers a solution. Fairtrade’s minimum price model ensures producers receive a baseline safety net when market prices drop, enabling them to cover basic needs and reinvest…

Fairtrade Africa urges businesses, policymakers and consumers to support initiatives that advocate for equitable pricing and partnerships with smallholders. Together, these actions can secure better futures for millions of farmers and a more resilient global food system.

The latest “Be Fair Right Now” initiative shines a spotlight on the urgent need for change, calling for immediate attention to
the inequities smallholders face and challenging stakeholders – from consumers to businesses – to demand fairer practices in supply chains.

Now in its second year, Be Fair Right Now invites South Africans to rethink their buying choices to support fairer pay as well as gender equality, environmental sustainability and climate action. Through Fairtrade’s interactive online quiz, participants can discover the impact of their current purchases and explore practical ways to support Fairtrade-certified products that pay smallholder farmers fairly.

“Fairness in trade affects us all. Without thriving smallholder farmers, South Africa’s food security and rural economies are at risk. Fair pricing strengthens communities, reduces poverty and promotes sustainable agricultural practices essential to combating climate change,” Colditz reiterates.

To participate, South Africans can visit Fairtrade’s campaign page, take the quiz and discover how their choices can support fairer prices for essential commodities like sugar, coffee and tea.

Be Fair Right Now: https://www.befairrightnow-sa.org

Top 12 priority infrastructure projects in South Africa

An LNG Import Terminal is to be built at Richards Bay. Photo: Transnet National Ports Authority (TNPA)

Infrastructure South Africa

Since 2020 South Africa has had a coordinating body for infrastructure known as Infrastructure South Africa (ISA), which reports to the Presidential Infrastructure Coordinating Commission.

The biggest event in ISA’s calendar is the Sustainable Infrastructure Development Symposium of South Africa (SIDSSA). A highlight of the 2024 symposium, the third holding of the event, was the first publication and release by ISA of a construction book which lists all the infrastructure projects to be initiated by government and state-owned companies (SOC) during the 2024/25 fiscal year. Other highlights of SIDSSA were the unveiling of the Infrastructure Fund Pipeline and updates on the progress of the Strategic Integrated Projects as Gazetted in 2020 and 2022. 

This year, Infrastructure South Africa hosted SIDSSA on 26 – 27 May 2025 at the Century City Convention Centre in Cape Town. The event provided key progress updates on the country’s infrastructure pipeline.

During the symposium, the second edition of the Construction Book was launched, featuring over 250 projects valued at more than R268 billion—nearly double the value of the previous edition. In addition, the top seven catalytic projects were announced for project preparation support, benefiting from a first-of-its-kind R600 million funding allocation to accelerate their implementation.

Here are the ISA top 12 priority projects:

  • Healthcare Infrastructure Programme (national)
  • Education Infrastructure Programme (national)
  • Ngqura Port Liquified Natural Gas (LNG), Eastern Cape
  • Project Ukuvuselela (high-capacity rail for automotive sector), Gauteng-Eastern Cape
  • Amatola Bulk Water Augmentation, Eastern Cape
  • Nkomazi Special Economic Zone, Mpumalanga
  • Namakwa Special Economic Zone, Northern Cape
  • Liquified Natural Gas (LNG) Import Terminal (Richards Bay), KwaZulu-Natal
  • Durban Container Terminal (DCT) Pier 1, KwaZulu-Natal
  • Eskom Tubatse Pumped Storage Scheme, Limpopo
  • Rooiwal Wastewater Treatment Works Phase 2, Gauteng
  • Reinstatement of Mossel Bay GTL Refinery, Western Cape (pictured below)

For more information, visit Infrastructure South Africa online: https://infrastructuresa.org/

Mossel Bay GTL Refinery at night. Photo: Petroleum Agency SA (PASA)
Explore Infrastructure Projects in South Africa here

The case for an independent water and sanitation regulator in South Africa

Water is a strategic national resource and a constitutional right in South Africa. Yet the sector is in deep crisis. Over 100 municipalities are functionally distressed, non-revenue water averages 47% and consumer trust in public service delivery is eroding. These challenges point to the absence of a strong, independent regulatory framework that can enforce standards, regulate tariffs and protect consumers and service providers.

This article aims to present a case for an independent water and sanitation regulator rooted in legal precedent, policy direction and international best practices.

Regulatory fragmentation

South Africa’s water-sector governance is split across multiple levels of government, with regulatory functions spread between the Department of Water and Sanitation, municipalities, provincial departments and the Treasury. This creates overlaps, gaps and inconsistent standards enforcement. The current Water Services Authority (WSA) model allows politically governed municipalities to act as service providers, blurring lines of accountability.

There is an urgent need to establish an independent water and sanitation regulator in South Africa.

An independent regulator would provide technical continuity and depoliticised oversight, ensuring a consistent application of water laws and performance standards.

Learning from domestic precedents

South Africa has successful regulatory bodies in other strategic sectors. These include the Independent Communications Authority of South Africa, ICASA, which is tasked with regulating telecoms and broadcasting. It is a regulatory body that has improved access, competition and tariff fairness.

The National Nuclear Regulator (NNR) is another example. The NNR provides independent licensing and safety enforcement for nuclear energy via the South African Nuclear Energy Corporation, NECSA.

Both institutions demonstrate that independent governance, secured funding and clear statutory mandates can ensure regulatory credibility even in high-risk sectors.

Ramateu Monyokolo is Chairperson of the Rand Water Board and Chairperson of the Association of Water and Sanitation Institutions of South Africa (AWSISA).

Global comparisons

Countries with similar developmental contexts have instituted independent regulators with demonstrable benefits including NWASCO in Zambia, which uses a licensing regime and performance reporting to drive efficiency, ERSAR in Portugal which oversees quality, pricing and planning in a transparent and consultative framework and the UK’s Ofwat. The last-named entity is a global model for tariff review, investment guidance and long-term capital planning.

Political momentum: the Indaba mandate

The Presidential Water and Sanitation Indaba (March 2025) highlighted regulatory reform as a top priority. Recommendations included the need to establish an independent regulator to oversee tariffs, standards and licensing.

The Indaba further suggested that institutional profession-alism required strengthening and that service delivery should be ringfenced from politics.

The other main recommendation related to adopting integrated, climate-resilient infrastructure planning frameworks.

Proposed mandate and structure

An independent regulator should be empowered by national legislation with the authority to:

  • License water-service providers.
  • Review and approve bulk and retail tariffs.
  • Monitor and enforce technical and service standards.
  • Provide a dispute-resolution mechanism for consumers.
  • Publish annual performance audits and benchmarking reports.

The regulator must report to Parliament, be funded independently from service providers and operate transparently.

Conclusion

Water governance in South Africa demands a shift from decentralised discretion to institutional integrity. An independent regulator is not a cure-all, but it is the cornerstone of a sustainable, equitable and accountable water sector.

The time to regulate is now.

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