As we sip our morning coffee or plan our next weekend getaway, it’s easy to forget that South Africa is on the frontlines of climate change. Water scarcity, economic disparity, and environmental degradation aren’t just distant threats—they’re everyday realities that demand urgent action. While individuals can make small changes, it’s institutions like Nedbank that are showing how big shifts can happen when sustainability is embedded into business practices and everyday life.
In a move that feels more like a cinematic glimpse into the future than a corporate campaign, Nedbank’s latest Purpose Storytelling initiative harnesses AI to paint two possible portraits of South Africa in the year 2100: one where we meet the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and one where we don’t. The contrast is striking—one vision sees thriving communities, preserved ecosystems, and economic stability, while the other warns of severe water shortages, economic collapse, and environmental ruin. It’s not just a projection; it’s a call to action.
“This campaign is more than just a wake-up call – it is a roadmap for urgent, collective action,” says Khensani Nobanda, Group Executive for Marketing and Corporate Affairs at Nedbank. “We believe that through sustainable finance and purposeful investment, we can change the trajectory of South Africa’s future.”
The Power of Purposeful Banking
For many, banking is simply about saving, spending, and investing. But what if every financial transaction contributed to a healthier planet and a stronger society? That’s exactly what Nedbank is striving for—integrating sustainability into its core business strategy. Through innovative partnerships and green finance initiatives, the bank is proving that finance isn’t just about profit; it’s about impact.
Take Kusini Water, for example—a social enterprise that’s reshaping access to clean water in underserved communities. With Nedbank’s support, Kusini Water has deployed solar-powered filtration systems that use nanotechnology to purify water sustainably. The result? Over 1,508 kilolitres of clean water produced, 80 enterprises supported, and 200 individuals upskilled in water-related industries.
“Our goal is simple: to provide sustainable, safe water to underserved communities,” explains Murendeni Mafumo, Founder of Kusini Water. “With Nedbank’s support, we’ve been able to expand our reach and ensure that access to clean water isn’t a privilege but a right.”
Protecting Water Sources for Future Generations
Clean water access is only part of the equation—preserving the natural sources of that water is just as critical. That’s where the uMzimvubu Catchment Partnership Programme (UCPP) comes in. Supported by Nedbank, this initiative is restoring South Africa’s most vital river systems, ensuring that future generations aren’t left high and dry.
“The degradation of our water catchment areas threatens both biodiversity and community livelihoods,” says Samir Randera-Rees from WWF. “By restoring ecosystems and promoting sustainable land management, we are safeguarding water security for local communities and downstream economies.”
Nedbank’s role in the initiative has helped protect 45 natural springs, providing clean and reliable water to over 42,000 people. At the same time, the project integrates sustainable farming and rangeland management, ensuring that local economies flourish alongside environmental conservation.
Investing in Young Innovators: The Future of Sustainable Living
Sustainability isn’t just about large-scale environmental projects—it’s also about empowering the next generation to build businesses that align with a greener, more responsible world. Through YouthX, Nedbank is championing young entrepreneurs like Ngangelizwe Mathunjwa, founder of Aero Greens, an agritech startup using vertical farming to reduce water use by 98% while producing high-quality crops year-round.
“YouthX has been transformative, helping us expand Aero Greens and make a bigger impact on water scarcity, food security, and climate change,” says Mathunjwa. “This kind of support is exactly what South African entrepreneurs need to drive innovation and create solutions for our future.”
Sustainability as a Lifestyle Choice
Nedbank is proving that sustainability isn’t just a corporate buzzword—it’s a lifestyle choice that affects everything from how we bank to how we drink water, farm our food, and shape the cities of tomorrow. By integrating environmental, social, and governance (ESG) principles into financial decision-making, the bank is leading the charge in ensuring that economic growth and environmental responsibility go hand in hand.
“At Nedbank, we view sustainability not as an optional add-on, but as a core pillar of our business strategy,” Nobanda reaffirms. “Through green finance, impact-driven investments, and partnerships with organizations like Kusini Water and the UCPP, we are proving that finance can be a force for good.”
So, the question isn’t just what South Africa will look like in 2100—it’s what we choose to do today. Nedbank has made its choice, investing in real solutions that create tangible impact. Now, it’s up to individuals, businesses, and policymakers to join the movement and make sustainability a way of life.
