Johannesburg, 23 July: Billed as ‘SA’s biggest board meeting’ The Directors Event – futured by BCX, and part of the Sunday Times Top 100 Companies profile – is where the business community comes together to unpack major issues affecting the country’s economy. This year, because of the Covid-19 lockdown, the sixth iteration of The Directors Event will be presented as a live-streamed web-conference on 20 October 2020. The theme for this year’s event is Building a sustainable new normal.

In previous years, The Directors Event has attracted an audience of more than 300 senior management and C-level executives to a full-day conference at the Sandton Convention Centre. High profile speakers have included South Africa’s Chief Justice, Mogoeng Mogoeng, Nhlanhla Nene (former Finance Minister), Jabu Mabuza (former Chairman, Eskom), Caroline Galvan (Lead Economist, World Economic Forum), and Mcebisi Jonas (former Deputy Minister of Finance), amongst others.

“BCX is a proud sponsor of one of the largest boardroom meetings in South Africa, for the second year. I believe that the event is an important opportunity for private sector and public sector partners to engage on real issues affecting our country. In addition, the virtual Directors Event further emphasises the critical role technology is playing in our lives and in driving our economy,” says, Jonas Bogoshi, CEO of BCX.

Similarly, Parmi Natesan, CEO of the Institute of Directors in South Africa believes that “now more than ever, the role of directors of organisations that need to survive and thrive in the new normal, becomes ever so critical. As business has had to adapt to this new world, so too has The Directors Event, through going digital.”

This year, three expertly moderated panel discussions will be presented in a linear format and streamed online as a full-morning digital event.
Industry experts participating in The Directors Event will focus on historical, pre-lockdown issues that have hampered SA’s progress, but are now magnified through the Covid-19 lens: the slow pace of government reforms; corruption in both private and state-owned enterprises; the skills-readiness of our workforce to gain employment in Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR) jobs; the devastating effects of rapid climate-change in a country already gripped by drought; and an energy crisis that’s straining our economy.

• Panel discussion topics at The Directors Event in 2020 are:
  The South African economy is in ICU. How will it be revived?
• How will the Fourth Industrial Revolution create jobs to grow the SA economy?
• How do we manage climate change to become self-sufficient?

The complete list of confirmed panellists and moderators, along with details to register for the online event, will be announced in due course. For more insight about previous events and to stay informed, please visit: https://arenaevents.africa/events/the-directors-event/

About Arena Holdings
Arena Holdings is the largest national English publishing group, and the second largest digital publisher in South Africa. We own the largest music and independent film catalogue in Africa, as well as leading TV channels, TV production, and radio stations. The business has strong exposure to the rapidly growing digital, broadcast and mobile markets, with a broad reach. Arena Holdings is the proud custodian of iconic brands that include the Sunday Times, Sowetan, Business Day, Financial Mail, The Herald, and Daily Dispatch – with footprints across print, digital, social media, and leading industry event platforms. The company’s business model is underpinned by a unique network of assets, including dedication to excellence and a strong commitment to providing quality content and services to our varied audiences and customers. Arena Holdings is a division of Lebashe Investment Group. www.arena.africa | www.adroom.arena.africa |

About IoDSA
The Institute of Directors in South Africa NPC (“IoDSA”) is a professional body recognised by the South African Qualifications Authority and a non-profit company that exists to promote corporate governance, and to maintain and enhance the credibility of directorship as a profession (SAQA ID:836) The IoDSA is committed to the development of those charged with governance duties and improving overall board effectiveness. Members of the IoDSA benefit from ongoing educational opportunities, governance advisory assistance, publications and updates featuring the latest developments in corporate governance, access to NED vacancies as well as unique networking opportunities. http://www.iodsa.co.za