CAN First Thursday at Wave Theater – A Space for Leaders to Create Lasting Change
Join us at
CAN First Thursday
for a transformative event that brings together some of the brightest minds in
sustainability, business innovation, and
ESG leadership.
Get ready for the CAN FIRSt friday
Climate Actions Now (CAN) is set to host its inaugural CAN First Thursday event on October 5, 2024, at the historic Wave Theatre in Cape Town. This landmark gathering will bring together leaders in sustainability, innovation, and policy to accelerate South Africa's transition to a low-carbon future.
1. Event Details & Registration
Register NowCAN First Thursday: Essential Information
- Date: October 5, 2024
- Time: 4:00 PM - 7:00 PM
- Venue: Wave Theater, 44 Long Street, Cape Town
How to Register:
- Click the "Register Now" button at the top of this page
- Fill out the registration form with your details
- Choose your ticket type (General Admission, VIP, or Corporate Package)
- Complete the payment process
- You'll receive a confirmation email with your e-ticket
Early Bird Discount: Register before
September 1, 2024, to get 20% off!
Note: Space is limited. We encourage early registration to secure your spot.
2. Networking & Participation Guide
Join our communityMaking the Most of CAN First Thursday
Before the Event:
- Update your professional profile on our event app
- Review the speaker list and panel topics
- Prepare questions for Q&A sessions
During the Event:
- Color-Coded Networking: Your name badge color indicates your primary interest area. Seek out attendees with different colors to diversify your connections.
- Interactive Workshops: Come prepared to share your experiences and challenges in implementing sustainable practices.
- Idea Wall: Visit our digital Idea Wall to post your climate action ideas and vote on others'.
After the Event:
- Follow up with new connections within 48 hours
- Share your learnings on social media using #CANFirstThursday
- Join our online community for ongoing discussions and collaborations
3. Sustainability Initiatives & How You Can Contribute
Be Part of the Solution
Event Sustainability Measures:
- 100% renewable energy powering the venue
- Plant-based, locally-sourced catering
- Digital-first approach to minimize paper waste
- Carbon offsetting for all attendees' travel
How You Can Contribute:
- Offset Your Travel: Use our carbon calculator to offset your journey to the event.
- Bring Your Own: Water bottle, reusable coffee cup, and digital device for notes.
- Sustainable Transport: Use our ride-sharing app or take public transport to the venue.
- Spread the Word: Share your sustainable actions on social media with #CANSustainable.
Get Involved Beyond the Event:
- Sign up for our monthly sustainability challenges
- Volunteer for local climate action projects
- Mentor youth in sustainable entrepreneurship
Together, we can make CAN First Thursday a model for sustainable event practices!
In a world grappling with unprecedented environmental challenges,
CAN First Thursday aims to:
Bridge
the gap
Bridge the gap between corporate sustainability goals and real-world impact
Empower
the next genERATION
Empower the next generation of African leaders in sustainability and social entrepreneurship
Colab
across sectors
Foster collaboration across sectors to drive innovative climate solutions
music - a universal language
Showcase or experience the power of arts and culture in climate advocacy, who said change can't be fun!
Why Africa—and the World—Needs to take climate actions now
We live in a precious, beautiful and resource rich continent. Africa- for all her wonder and awe, still suffers from ongoing environmental and climate crisis of note. As of 2024, here is why you should get involved:
83%
South Africa’s natural biomes have been significantly altered by urban expansion and agricultural activities.
32.6%
South Africa's youth between the ages of 15 and 24 are unemployed, contributing to a high dropout rate
R95 billion
Severe weather events in 2024 alone have led to an estimated R95 billion in losses across Southern Africa.
34.9%
The unemployment rate has reached 34.9%, with more than 50% of young people facing school dropouts, leading to increased violence and instability.
Together we Empower, Innovate, and Act
CAN First Thursday is more than just a gathering—it’s a space where leaders from across sectors come together to empower communities, innovate solutions, and act on urgent sustainability goals. With every panel, discussion, and performance, you’ll leave equipped with practical tools to drive your company’s ESG strategy and sustainability goals.
Become a SponsoR
Align your brand with sustainability leadership and gain exposure to a network of changemakers.Join our movement and be part of regular gatherings driving climate action.
The Venue: Wave Theatre - A Heritage Site
a world in crisis. needs actions now.
Originally founded in 1972 as the Space Theatre, the Wave Theater was one of South Africa’s first non-racial venues, playing a pivotal role in Cape Town’s artistic and political history. Today, it continues that legacy by providing a platform for business leaders, activists, and creatives to come together for meaningful discussions on climate action, sustainability, and social justice.
The choice of the Wave Theatre as our venue is both symbolic and strategic. Built in 1928, this Art Deco masterpiece has been a witness to Cape Town's cultural and political evolution.
Some key points about the venue:
- The Wave Theatre was declared a Provincial Heritage Site in 1998, recognizing its architectural and cultural significance.
- During the apartheid era, it was one of the few theaters that defied racial segregation laws, hosting multiracial performances and audiences.
- In 2010, the theater underwent a green renovation, incorporating solar panels, rainwater harvesting systems, and energy-efficient lighting, making it a fitting location for a sustainability-focused event.
CAN First Thursday: Where Leaders Shape Sustainability
Our speakers
Our speakers represent a diverse coalition of climate action leaders, each bringing unique expertise to the sustainability conversation.
LeeAnne Gammage -
SUN Mediation & Master Stock
Robert Stephenson FRSA -
Robert Stephenson - Climate Actions Now & CANMusic Founder
Mikhail Accom
Eduponics Founder
Chad Cupido (MBA, MMBA)
Dr. Phil-afel Foundation, Omni Wellness Founder
Robert Stephenson - Climate Actions Now & CANMusic
With over four decades of experience in social entrepreneurship and climate advocacy, Robert Stephenson is the visionary founder of Climate Actions Now (CAN) and CANMusic. His innovative approach combines the power of music and cultural movements to inspire global communities to act on climate change, reaching over millions of individuals through campaigns like "Oh Environment". Robert's work spans continents, from developing sustainable coffee initiatives in Uganda to establishing creative hubs for climate action in Cape Town.
MIkhail accom- eduponics
Mikhail Accom is the driving force behind Eduponics, a groundbreaking initiative transforming education and sustainable agriculture across South Africa. As an Ashoka Green Change Maker, Mikhail's mission is to integrate aquaponics systems into schools, empowering the next generation to tackle food security and environmental challenges through hands-on STEM education. His work not only addresses immediate food security needs but also cultivates a new generation of environmentally conscious innovators and entrepreneurs.
LeeAnne Gammage - SUN Mediation & Master Stock
LeeAnne Gammage brings a unique perspective to sustainability through her expertise in conflict resolution and business consultancy. As the founder of SUN Mediation, she guides companies towards ethical, sustainable operations, helping them navigate complex corporate disputes and align their strategies with sustainable practices. LeeAnne's work with Master Stock further demonstrates her commitment to introducing sustainable products to the market, bridging the gap between corporate interests and environmental stewardship.
Chad Cupido - Dr. Phil-afel & Omni Wellness Media
Chad Cupido is a multifaceted advocate for ethical living and sustainability, founding both Dr. Phil-afel and Omni Wellness Media. His work promotes plant-based diets, animal welfare, and holistic wellness, driving consumer habits towards a more sustainable future. As the Executive Director of Beauty Without Cruelty SA, Chad extends his influence to animal rights advocacy, embodying a comprehensive approach to sustainability that encompasses personal health, environmental conservation, and ethical consumerism.
interested in making a change?
join now to become a partner / sponsor
Volunteer to be a speaker?
Join us in shaping a sustainable future by becoming a sponsor of CAN First Thursday. Your support will drive innovative climate solutions and empower leaders across Africa. As a sponsor, you'll gain visibility among key decision-makers, demonstrate your commitment to sustainability, and contribute to tangible environmental impact.
Partner with CAN First Fridays
Be part of the change you want to see in the world. Volunteer for CAN First Thursday and play a crucial role in making this transformative event a success. We're looking for passionate individuals to assist with event coordination, guest relations,
Buy tickets today
events@climateactionsnow.org
Phone
555-555-5555
Location
Wave Theater on 44 Long Street, Cape Town, South Africa
Originally founded in 1972 as the Space Theatre, the Wave Theater was one of South Africa’s first non-racial venues, playing a pivotal role in Cape Town’s artistic and political history. Today, it continues that legacy by providing a platform for business leaders, activists, and creatives to come together for meaningful discussions on climate action, sustainability, and social justice.
The Wave Theatre was declared a Provincial Heritage Site in 1998, recognizing its architectural and cultural significance.
During the apartheid era, it was one of the few theaters that defied racial segregation laws, hosting multiracial performances and audiences.
In 2010, the theater underwent a green renovation, incorporating solar panels, rainwater harvesting systems, and energy-efficient lighting, making it a fitting location for a sustainability-focused event.
