Creating a better tomorrow with Corporate Social Investment

Making a difference, rather than making a profit, is the heartbeat of Corporate Social Investment (CSI). As part of a broader Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) strategy, CSI activities bring the triple bottom line to life. An ever-increasing number of South African companies are prioritising CSI, and in line with the words of late former President Nelson Mandela, the education sector has been a priority. As Mandela famously said, "education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world." By providing opportunities for South Africans to get the best possible start to life, companies across a variety of industries are building trust with their target markets, bolstering the recognition of their brands and creating a sense of purpose among their staff. 

Setting learners up for successful futures

A great example of a company with a focus on CSI and a heart for education is Sun International's GrandWest, which is heading up a school renovation programme which aims to equip and modernise hospitality classrooms in various communities around South Africa. The idea behind this is to assist the Department of Basic Education to provide holistic and practical training in hospitality, laying the groundwork for learners' possible future careers in this field. One example of a school that benefitted from this programme is Muizenberg High School, where GrandWest's contribution paid for a classroom kitted out with a new floor and cupboards as well as stoves and utensils. 

Full stomachs and inspired minds

Thanks to the school garden programme that forms part of Coronation Fund Managers' CSI programme, students at Sonwabo Primary School in Gugulethu have a school garden which ensures that they are well fed at school. They also have the opportunity to learn the financial concepts around selling whatever produce is left over. According to Anton Pillay, CEO of Coronation Fund Managers, the company strives not only to manage people's money, but also to make a meaningful contribution to society. Learners at the school do a lot of the work in the garden, which ensures that the garden feeds their minds as well as their bodies.

Getting to school: the first step to a good education

In various parts of South Africa, learners face challenges in getting to school, with many having to walk long distances. One of the arms of Volkswagen's CSI programme is involvement in the Bicycle Education Empowerment Programme (BEEP) in partnership with Qhubeka and World Vision. Thanks to this CSI initiative, at least 1 100 bicycles have been donated to rural schools in KwaZulu-Natal and the Eastern Cape. The project's focus on transportation provides a perfect fit for the manufacturer of the "People's Car". 

Investing in primary and secondary education

Liberty's CSI initiatives are heavily invested in education. Projects at the primary school level involve ensuring that the required educational materials and teaching aids are available for learners and teachers. Thanks to Liberty's partnership with the Future Thinking Foundation, the creation of the Learn Like Lerato activity books was made possible. These activity books are CAPS-compliant and available in various South African languages, covering maths and language skills. Over and above this, Liberty assists high school learners needing extra help in maths and science by supporting the Kutlwanong Centre for Maths, Science and Technology.

The case for CSI: What are the benefits for your company?

The benefits of CSI apply not only to those who receive help - there are also many advantages for the companies that make such endeavours possible. For starters, CSI provides opportunities for publicity, which has positive ripple effects including brand recognition, reputation management and customer loyalty. Being a company that takes corporate social responsibility seriously will help you to attract and retain top talent, as well as giving your employees a real sense of purpose.

Having the right premises is an integral part of the foundation upon which companies can develop CSI programmes that make a difference. For assistance in finding the ideal commercial or industrial property in Gauteng, contact 3Cube Property Solutions.