04/09/2026
For many businesses, ESG may still feel like something to address when a customer asks for a sustainability policy, when a tender requires additional information or when reporting requirements become unavoidable.
But the conversation is changing.
South Africa's carbon tax entered its second phase in 2026, with the carbon tax rate increasing to R308 per tonne of CO₂e, while businesses are also facing growing expectations around climate resilience, transparency, responsible supply chains and sustainable growth.
This means ESG is becoming much more closely connected to everyday business decisions, from managing operational risks and costs to protecting market access and building trust with customers, employees and investors.
Our latest Crowe DNA article explores why ESG should be viewed as more than a reporting requirement and what businesses can do now to move from intention to practical action.
If your organisation is still trying to understand where ESG fits into your business strategy, this is a good place to start.
Read the full article on the Crowe DNA website. https://www.crowe.com/za/crowedna/insights/esg-in-2026---why-sustainability-is-becoming-a-business-risk-and-growth-conversation