About the Conference

South Africa’s state-owned enterprises (SOEs) have the potential to drive economic growth and development. However, reform is urgently needed. Over the past decade, many SOEs have faced significant operational and financial challenges, including mismanagement, inefficiencies, and governance issues. The result has been a drain on public resources, with billions spent on bailouts without corresponding improvements in performance.

The path forward requires a clear and decisive approach, focusing on both financial sustainability and operational performance. The Government of National Unity (GNU) represents an opportunity to accelerate these reforms, moving beyond past challenges and creating a future where SOEs are effective, accountable, and contribute meaningfully to economic growth and job creation. With the right vision and leadership, our SOEs can be transformed into vital instruments for national development, helping to build a brighter future for all South Africans.

The conference brings together key stakeholders—government leaders, business leaders, economists, and experts—to explore practical and innovative solutions for revitalising SOEs. Through collaborative dialogue, the conference seeks to:

  1. Identify Key Challenges: Understand the financial, operational, and governance issues facing SOEs like Eskom, Transnet, SAA, and others, and their impact on South Africa’s economy and society.
  2. Discuss Reform Strategies: Explore and propose actionable reforms that can improve the performance, sustainability, and accountability of SOEs, making them more efficient and aligned with the country’s long-term economic goals.
  3. Encourage Public-Private Partnerships: Foster partnerships between the government and private sector to drive innovation, improve management, and attract investment in SOEs, creating a more dynamic and competitive economy.
  4. Build Consensus for Action: Generate support for the comprehensive reform of SOEs across political, business, and civil society sectors, ensuring that the reforms are sustainable, impactful, and have broad-based buy-in.

Benefits of Attending

Connect with key stakeholders from government, business, and civil society.

Forge new relationships that could lead to collaborative efforts between the public and private sectors.

Hear directly from government officials, SOE leaders, and reform experts about plans for revitalisation and transformation.

Explore case studies and success stories of SOE turnaround strategies from abroad.

Engage with policymakers on critical issues such as governance, financial sustainability, and public-private partnerships.

Learn from local and international experts about best practices for SOE governance, performance, and financial management.

Conference starts in

299 Days
18 Hours
20 Minutes
59 Seconds

6 - 7 November 2025

Cape Town, South Africa

Our Event Schedule

07:30 Registration and Networking

08:30 Opening remarks: Conference Chairperson

09:00 Session 1 – 60minutes

Key constraints to optimal performance of SOEs

10:00 Session 2 – 60minutes

Revitalising SOEs for Economic Growth: Strategic Reform Models and Best Practices

11:00 Tea Break

11:30 Session 3

Strengthening Board Effectiveness, Oversight, and Risk Management

12:30 Session 4 – 60minutes

SOE Debt Management and Fiscal Responsibility: Tackling Financial Sustainability for Long-Term Success

13:30 Lunch Break

14:30 Session 5

Lessons from Best-Performing SOEs Globally

15:30 Closing Remarks

2-Day Pass • Ex VAT

Cost per person

R 13,990  

NB: Price is in South African Rand. Price displayed exclude VAT.

Brochure

Target Audience

The Conference targets participants from the following industries, among others:

Government representatives, including SOE representatives, ministers, senior officials, and members of parliament involved in public enterprises, finance, and oversight. • Business leaders, executives from private sector companies, and industry associations. • Economists, policy experts, and research institutions focusing on economic development, public sector performance, and governance. • International stakeholders such as representatives from financial institutions (World Bank, IMF, African Development Bank) and foreign government representatives. • Public and civil society representatives, including NGOs, community leaders, and transparency advocates. Journalists, media professionals, and public relations experts focusing on business, economics, and government reporting

Let’s do it

Haven’t Booked Your Seat Yet? Get Ticket Now