CoGTA-led dialogue bridges sectors to boost municipalperformance

Sappi Southern Africa was honoured to host the Honourable Minister of Cooperative

Governance and Traditional Affairs (CoGTA), Mr Velenkosini Hlabisa, at a roundtable

discussion held at its Durban office on Friday, 20 June. The engagement was part of the

national “Every Municipality Must Work – A Call for Collective Action” campaign, an initiative

led by CoGTA to strengthen local governance systems across South Africa.

The session was convened by the National Business Initiative (NBI), which is playing a

pivotal role in the campaign by facilitating dialogue between government and the private

sector. As a proud founding member of the NBI—established in 1995 under the leadership of

former President Nelson Mandela—Sappi was pleased to support this vital initiative by

hosting the event and reaffirming its commitment to collaborative, solution-driven

engagement.

Participants included representatives from the KZN Provincial Economic Working Group

(PeWG), Invest Durban, the KZN Growth Coalition, local Chambers of Commerce, senior

government stakeholders and several senior officials from Sappi Southern Africa.

“Sappi’s operations span 60 municipalities across South Africa. As an anchor tenant in many

rural communities, we understand the direct link between effective local governance and

sustainable business and community outcomes,” said Graeme Wild, Chief Executive Officer

of Sappi Southern Africa. “Our presence in these regions creates shared value — and when

municipalities are well-run, everyone benefits.”

Sappi values its longstanding relationship with the NBI and welcomes every opportunity to

engage in initiatives that foster inclusive development and good governance. The company

proudly aligns with Sustainable Development Goal 17: Partnerships for the Goals and views

such dialogues as essential to building a more resilient, inclusive future for all South Africans.

ENDS

About Sappi

Sappi is a leading global provider of powerful everyday materials made from woodfibre-

based renewable resources. As a diversified, innovative and trusted leader focused on

sustainable processes and products, we seek to support a more circular economy and to

build a thriving world. With operations in four key regions: South Africa, Europe, North

America and Asia, Sappi is powered by the expertise of more than 12,000 people. In

South Africa we have offices in Gauteng, KwaZulu Natal (three mills, forestry operations

and a shared services hub), Mpumalanga (a mill and forestry operations) and the Western

Cape (sales office). Our product offering in SA includes dissolving pulp, packaging and

specialities, graphic papers and forestry products. We generate shared value in the

communities in which we operate, by investing in skills training and SMME development to

boost employment and grow the economy.

Find out more at www.sappi.com