Alexforbes Paragon Impact awards 2026 highlights listed companies driving impact

Johannesburg, 26 March 2026 – The winners of the inaugural Alexforbes Paragon Impact Awards have been announced at a ceremony held on 26 March 2026. These awards recognise JSE Top 100 listed companies demonstrating measurable, data-driven sustainability performance aligned to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.

The event was attended by senior representatives from the JSE Top 100 companies, the Companies and Intellectual Property Commission, the Global Compact Network South Africa and other dignitaries. The level of representation and support affirms the timeliness and relevance of the awards.

Companies were assessed across five key dimensions:

• Earth and climate stewardship – Sanlam Limited
• Responsible resource use and innovation – Momentum Group Limited
• Just transition and economic inclusion – Ninety One Limited/Plc
• Basic human needs and social outcomes – Clicks Group Limited
• Governance, ethics, impact integration and accountability – Clicks Group Limited

Discovery Limited was named the overall winner, recognised for its consistent performance across all categories, supported by strong governance and a balanced environmental and social profile. The awards reflect a shift in how corporate performance is evaluated, with greater emphasis on measurable outcomes rather than quality or extent of disclosure alone.

Carina Wessels, Chief GRC Officer and Executive: Impact Advisory at Alexforbes, said, ‘These awards reflect a shift in how long-term value creation is defined. Companies that monitor, manage and report on both financial and impact materiality better integrate sustainability into strategy and decision-making, positioning themselves to deliver more resilient returns whilst responding to a rapidly changing world. We congratulate the well-deserved awardees and encourage other listed companies to prioritise impact.’

Brett Wallington, Founder and Head of Paragon Impact, commented, ‘Our assessment through the Paragon Impact solution focuses on measurable outcomes. Leading companies are those demonstrating real progress, not only strong narratives. Impact is increasingly becoming a core feature of business performance.’

In addition to recognising leading impact performers among the JSE top 100 companies, Alexforbes intends to create an index based on the top-performing impact companies and develop solutions to track this index over the coming months.