As bp Southern Africa (bpSA) marks its 100th year of business in South Africa, I can’t help but feel inspired by their incredible journey of resilience and transformation. On 9 October, I had the pleasure of witnessing their centenary celebration, a day filled with both thoughtful dialogue on the energy industry and a glamorous gala dinner honoring the many stakeholders who have contributed to bpSA’s success.
The theme of the day was “Reimagining Energy for the Future,” and it couldn’t be more fitting. Industry leaders dove into the challenges and opportunities facing the energy sector. Dr. NJ Ayuk, Executive Chairman of the African Energy Chamber, spoke passionately about Africa’s need to confront its energy challenges head-on. Meanwhile, bpSA CEO, Taelo Mojapelo, shared how bpSA has been evolving to stay ahead of the curve in the ever-shifting energy landscape.
I found it fascinating to hear Mojapelo’s perspective on bpSA’s journey. She said, “We felt it was important, as bpSA marks its 100th anniversary in South Africa this year, to look at where we’ve come from as we look to the next century. Over the past 100 years, bpSA has moved with the times, responding to the regulatory environment, changes in customer demand and broader energy opportunities.”
Her words reminded me of the significance of adaptability, especially in today’s world where industries are changing at a rapid pace. bpSA is not just talking about change—they’re actively embracing it. From moving toward a lower-carbon world to refining their fuel retailing strategies and focusing on diversity, equity, and inclusion (DE&I), they are future-proofing their business with purpose and responsibility.
What particularly stood out to me was the launch of bpSA’s white paper on DE&I, “Creating Responsible Business within the Context of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion.” It was an eye-opener, demonstrating the clear commercial benefits that come from fostering an inclusive, diverse, and equitable workplace. Collaborating with GIBS and Accenture to produce this white paper shows how committed bpSA is to creating a sustainable and equitable business model.
I left the event feeling proud that companies like bpSA are not only investing in our energy future but also in the people who will carry that vision forward. As Mojapelo rightly said, “We are taking steps to ensure our business remains future-proof and relevant as we build a safe, more equitable bpSA that future generations can be proud of.”
As bpSA continues to evolve, it’s clear that they are committed to staying relevant in a rapidly changing world, all while putting people and the planet at the heart of their strategy. Here’s to another 100 years of innovation, responsibility, and positive change.