Author - YolandaAD

Review of CSI / CSR trends in SA: A Year of Evolution and Progress

Corporate Social Investment (CSI) and Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) have been essential components of the corporate landscape for a long time. However, 2023 has been particularly pivotal in shaping the trends in these areas, especially in South Africa. This year brought to light the urgency of addressing environmental and societal...

Embracing Heritage Through Corporate Volunteering

As Heritage Day approaches in South Africa, we are reminded of what makes our country unique - all the different cultures of our nation. Heritage Month is a period that invites us to ponder on the roots that ground us, the diversity that defines us, and the unity that binds...

Embracing Change in CSI

(Image credit: GroundUp) We live in a fast-changing world, buffeted by shocks such as the Covid pandemic, the Ukraine-Russia war, and climate change. Businesses are therefore required to be adaptable to changing conditions that threaten society, the economy, and the business environment. In such an unstable, complex world, it is...

Maximizing Impact While Maintaining CSI Spend (part II)

In Part 1 of this article, we considered how a strategic shift in CSI perspective during economic downturns can have a profound and positive influence on a company’s reputation and long-term success. In Part 2 of this article, we further explore the importance of strategy in the maximization of impact....

Maximizing Impact While Maintaining CSI Spend (part I)

In the face of a challenging economic landscape, many companies find themselves confronted with tough decisions regarding their Corporate Social Investment (CSI) or Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) budgets. As belts tighten and resources become scarce, it may be tempting to cut back on such expenditures. However, a strategic shift in...

How to Plan a Successful Fundraising Strategy

Philanthropy fundraising is an essential part of many non-profit organizations and plays a critical role in supporting their mission. Creating a successful fundraising strategy in South Africa requires creativity, patience, and persistence. However, it can be challenging to come up with effective fundraising strategies. So where do you begin? How...

Charity is Not Always Admirable

Corporate social responsibility (CSR) refers to a company's obligation to contribute to the well-being of society. Companies all over the world have implemented CSR programs, and South Africa is no exception. However, there is concern that the COVID-19 pandemic, the ongoing electricity blackouts, and the Russian invasion have decimated South...

Ignoring the Care Work African Women Do: How CSR Initiatives Geared Towards African Female Entrepreneurship may be Missing the Mark

“Supporting women entrepreneurs is just good business”. These are the words of the Senior Vice President and Head of Sub-Saharan Africa at Visa, Aida Diarra. And while many companies would agree, are they doing enough? According to the 2019/2020 Global Entrepreneurship Monitor (GEM), the African continent has seen the largest rise in female entrepreneurs across...