Honoured with an award, Dr Survé was recognised by the Climate Change Forum for his contribution to sustainability and Sekunjalo’s commitment to environmental investment. Photo: Supplied
Nonhlanhla Shezi
In a world teetering on the edge of climate catastrophe, where political will often falters and corporate rhetoric seldom translates into tangible impact, the Climate Change Forum in Davos stands apart.
It is a rare convergence of those who do more than simply acknowledge the crisis—they act. This year’s forum was not just another moment of discussion; it was a declaration of commitment to sustainable transformation. And at the heart of this recognition stood Father and Son, Dr Iqbal Survé and Rayhaan Survé, South African entrepreneurs whose impact on climate action extends beyond mere advocacy.
Honoured with an award, Dr Survé was recognised by the Climate Change Forum for his contribution to sustainability and Sekunjalo’s commitment to environmental investment. The award was presented by Max Studennikoff, the chairman and CEO of the Climate Change Investment Forum, alongside Todd McDonald, the CEO of Liberty Bank—the largest Black-owned bank in America. It was a moment that showcased the intersection of business, climate responsibility, and economic inclusion, signalling that capital must now serve not just profit, but planetary preservation.
The Climate Change Forum, which took place in Davos during the World Economic Forum, is not merely an event—it is a movement. The forum has become a crucial gathering for global leaders in government, business, and philanthropy who understand that the battle against climate change will not be won through political posturing but through bold investments and decisive action. Discussions at the forum emphasised the urgency of global sustainability initiatives, with special focus on ocean conservation, renewable energy, and the transition toward a green economy.
Dr Survé’s presence at the forum was that of a leader whose contributions to sustainability speak for themselves as an investor who has, for years, put substantial resources into climate-related projects. The Survé family has invested over $200 million (R3.7 billion) into climate change initiatives across Africa, focusing on sustainable energy, the ocean economy, and technological innovations in environmental conservation. The commitment extends beyond financial contributions—it is a strategic alignment with the industries that will define the next century.
Among these investments, Premier Fishing—a subsidiary of the Sekunjalo Group—has played a leading role in sustainable fishing practices, aligning with global standards in ocean conservation and marine resource management. The blue economy, an area of critical importance for Africa, has remained a cornerstone of the Survé family’s climate vision. Their work in advancing sustainability partnerships has also extended to renewable energy, most notably through a collaboration with Siemens Gamesa Renewable Energy, a multinational leader in wind turbine technology.
Additionally, the Survé family has been at the forefront of early investments in the electric vehicle revolution, recognising the inevitable transition towards cleaner energy transportation. The family were among the first to invest in electric vehicles (EV), long before EVs became central to global decarbonisation strategies. Their approach to sustainability has always been one of foresight, ensuring that their investments align with the future of environmental and economic transformation.
The awards ceremony at the Climate Change Forum was more than a recognition—it was a signal. A signal that the global conversation around sustainability is evolving, that leadership in climate action is no longer confined to traditional power structures but is being redefined by entrepreneurs and investors who understand that the future of business is inseparable from the future of the planet.
In a particularly poignant moment, Dr Survé dedicated the award to his son, Rayhaan Survé, highlighting the generational responsibility embedded in climate action. This was not just a personal gesture—it was a reminder that the fight against climate change is not for the benefit of those making decisions today, but for those who will inherit the consequences tomorrow.
The distinguished panel at the forum, which included experts in finance, policy, and technology, reinforced the urgency of immediate and large-scale investment into climate solutions. One of the key discussions centred around the role of private equity in funding renewables, a space where the Survé family’s investment strategies have been particularly impactful.
As the forum concluded, the message was clear: climate change is not an abstract crisis waiting for political solutions—it is an urgent challenge that demands action today. The recognition of Dr Iqbal Survé and the Survé family is a testament to the fact that in this battle, those who take action—who invest, innovate, and commit—are the ones truly leading the fight for sustainability.
IOL