Dr Taahira Goga is currently employed as a researcher at the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) and is also a visiting researcher at the University of Witwatersrand (WITS). Her interest focuses on the use of industrial ecology tools (viz. Material Flow Analysis and Life Cycle Assessment) to model the current and prospective environmental and socio-economic impacts of key sectors (e.g. plastics, green hydrogen, textiles) in the local context. Although her research expertise lies in the fields of the circular economy and sustainability, her passion is in the development of students and early-career researchers as evidenced by her role in the CSIR Youth Forum and co-founding the Muslim Postgraduate and Researchers’ Network (MPRN).

John is responsible for overall delivery of WRAP’s international Food Systems Transformation programme to reduce global food waste and associated climate impacts. His responsibilities include the 3-year / USD $15M programme funded by the Ballmer Group which has enabled WRAP to work with partners such as CGCSA to initiate changes in national food systems in South Africa, Indonesia, Mexico, Australia and Brazil, as well as regional and national campaigns in the USA to raise public awareness around food waste, encouraging changes in consumer behaviour to reduce the amount of food wasted in the home.  Prior to joining WRAP John held a number of senior management roles in the technology sector, most recently spending 15 years as Chief Executive of ADI, a company developing health software for the NHS, including the “MyPathway” patient engagement platform, used by hundreds of thousands of hospital outpatients in the UK

A journalist by training with a background in the global human rights movement, Kylen has developed a unique blend of skills in advocacy and digital strategy. A passion for fighting climate change has led him on his path to helping reduce food waste, a critical component of a sustainable future. With a strong understanding of both the social and technical aspects of this issue, he's committed to driving impactful initiatives that contribute to a more sustainable world.

Matlou Setati is the Executive for the Food Safety & Sustainability Initiative (FSSI), a division of the CGCSA. The FSSI is responsible for advocacy and liaison of sustainable initiatives, forums, projects and/or programmes within the precincts of food science, safety, quality, nutrition, health & wellness, sustainability, regulatory and related matters for the consumer goods and retail industries. Matlou has over 20 years of experience in the South African food and agricultural industry, which includes various food production companies, and ten (years of service in public office at the Department of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries, where she served as Chief Agricultural Food and Quarantine Technician (Food Quality Inspector) and Chief Food Safety & Quality Assurance Officer (Food Regulations).

Nicole Roos has been the Chairperson & Managing Director for Nestlé (South Africa) (Pty) Limited, East and Southern Africa Region, effective 1 November 2022, a region comprising of 23 countries. She began her career with Nestlé over 20 years ago as a Marketing Trainee. Since then, she has held various positions, from Brand Manager of the former Eastern African Region (2002 to 2006) and Category Marketing Manager of the Eastern and Southern Africa Region (2006 to 2008), before expatriation to the United States market as the Category Marketing Manager for Gerber when it was acquired in 2008. She returned to South Africa as Country Business Manager Infant Nutrition in 2010, an executive leadership position she held for 6 years. Prior to assuming the Chairperson & Managing Director position, Nicole was the Business Executive Officer for Coffee and Beverages (2016 to 2022). She grew the business into one of the most successful in the Zone, despite the challenges of operating across multiple Markets which are vastly different to each other. Nicole also chairs Nestlé ESAR’s Sustainability Committee driving transformation in the business’ operations. Nicole holds an Honours Degree BSC Dietetics (University of Pretoria, South Africa) and a Global master's degree in business administration & digital transformation (University of Barcelona, Spain) Nicole’s passion lies in developing young talent, advancing inclusivity in the workplace, circularity and sustainability across the value stream and of course digital transformation.

Professor Lise Korsten is Co-Director of the DST-NRF Centre of Excellence in Food Security, overseeing food safety and control programmes. She chairs the Global Task Force of Food Security for the International Society for Plant Pathology and has advised South African Parliament on food safety, developing a national agrifood system framework in 2001. Korsten has trained over 100 postgraduate students, published 200+ peer-reviewed papers, and holds an H-Index of 50, ranking in the top 2% of scientists globally. She has received the Water Research Commission’s Human Capital Development Award and the MT Steyn Prize. A Fellow of the South African Society for Plant Pathology and Academy of Science, she serves as a senior editor for Crop Protection and is involved with the African Academy of Sciences, promoting scientific excellence. Korsten pioneered South Africa’s first biocontrol agent for fruit and co-founded the South African Biomanufacturers Association, advancing sustainable agriculture.

​ Mr. Zwane is a qualified Environmental Management graduate specializing in Monitoring & Modelling of toxic substances and pollutants; coupled with certificates in Environmental Law, Management Development and Compliance & Enforcement. He is currently heading the Chemicals and Waste Economy Programme as an Executive responsible for Coordination of Funding and driving Circular Economy for various waste economy initiatives. ​ ​ Mr. Zwane has around 18 years’ experience in the public sector, working predominantly on strategic issues across various sectors on environmental management, waste management, green energy initiatives, infrastructure development and related. He has facilitated impact assessments for parastatals; the development of regulations; ministerial and technical briefings with multi-stakeholders across different government departments. His expertise includes coordination, leadership and resolving governance issues; regulatory unblocking; and the development and implementation of strategic impactful programmes and projects valued between R11 million to R7 billion.

Vuyiswa Ramokgopa is a South African politician, entrepreneur, and business leader, currently serving as the Member of the Executive Council (MEC) for Agriculture and Rural Development in Gauteng. She also serves as the Sector Lead for International Relations within the provincial Executive Council. As a member of the Gauteng Provincial Legislature, Ramokgopa represents RISE Mzansi, a political party she co-founded in April 2023. She holds the position of National Chairperson of the party. Ramokgopa holds a Bachelor of Commerce in Politics, Philosophy, and Economics from the University of Cape Town and has further enriched her education through executive programs at both the Gordon Institute of Business Science (GIBS) and Oxford University. Her professional career spans multiple sectors, including retail, marketing, design, and property investment. She notably served as CEO of the South African Institute of Black Property Practitioners (SAIBPP) and founded AWiP Investments, a company focused on property investment and the empowerment of African women. In the political arena, Ramokgopa has played a pivotal role as National Chairperson of RISE Mzansi. She was appointed MEC for Agriculture and Rural Development in July 2024, where she is dedicated to addressing hunger, promoting sustainable food production, and strengthening the agricultural sector in Gauteng.

Zinhle Tyikwe is the Chief Executive Officer of GS1 South Africa, where she leads with strategic clarity, institutional integrity, and a deep commitment to inclusive advancement. Her career spans more than two decades in human resources and executive management, marked by a consistent focus on unlocking potential, driving transformation, and elevating women within the consumer goods sector and beyond. Since joining GS1 South Africa in 2013, Zinhle has played a pivotal role in shaping the organization’s culture and strategic direction—first as Executive for Human Resources and Communications, and now as its CEO. Her leadership is grounded in academic excellence, holding two honours degrees in Human Resources Development and Industrial Psychology & Organisational Development from UNISA, and an MBA from the University of South Wales. Zinhle’s influence has extended across sectors through her previous board roles with the Wholesale and Retail SETA and the Steve Biko Academic Hospital, where she contributed to national skills development and healthcare governance. She continues to lend her voice to strategic transformation as a member of the SAB Sharp Advisory Board, helping guide responsible industry practices and community impact. As we honour the theme Empowering Women, Empowering the Future in this year’s Women Colloquy, Zinhle embodies the principle that empowered women are architects of progress. Her leadership is not only institutional—it is generational. And at the heart of her journey is her role as a mother to Wongalamasengwa and Zimkitha, where her passion for growth, development, and nurturing the future finds its most personal and profound expression.