Blog

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...

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...

The Key Lesson from the Royal Dutch Shell Seismic Survey Saga

The renowned Dutch oil company, Shell, recently expressed an interest in exploring potential hydrocarbon reserves beneath the seabed along South Africa’s Wild Coast. Royal Dutch Shell Plc had initially received the go ahead from the department of Mineral Resources and Energy and the South African High Court to conduct a seismic survey along South Africa’s...

Greenwashing: Corporate Social Responsibility Gone Wrong.

“Organic”, “Environmentally friendly”, and “Sustainable” are just a few of the buzz words that have dominated the business and CSR space in the last few years. Consumers are increasingly attentive to the environmental and social issues that plague society today, and companies are required to engage in corporate social responsibility...

A Social Impact Assessment is imperative for sustainable investments.

Over the last few years education has become a key focal point for the private sector’s CSR in South Africa. As a result, several deserving learners and students have been the lucky recipients of bursaries and scholarships allocated by large corporates. Many of these bursary recipients have gone on to become sought-after professionals with...