Focus areas for 2025 in CSI and CSR
In Part I we examined key trends in 2024 in order to forecast where the focus areas may be heading. While current trends continue to influence priorities, emerging needs and new opportunities are likely to shape the CSR and CSI landscape in South Africa. In Part II, we discuss which CSR and CSI areas in 2025 are expected to gain traction as they evolve.
1. Climate Resilience and Adaptation Projects
With South Africa vulnerable to climate risks, companies are expected to shift from climate action initiatives to resilience and adaptation projects, especially within local communities. This may involve partnerships with non-profit organizations and government bodies to address the impact of climate change on water resources, agriculture, and vulnerable populations, ensuring communities can better withstand climate-induced challenges.
2. Advanced Skills Development for a Digital Economy
In 2025, corporations will likely prioritize advanced skills development in fields like data science, artificial intelligence, and cybersecurity. As the digital economy expands, there will be an increased focus on developing specialized skillsets among the youth and the unemployed to improve job readiness and employability within digital and tech-driven industries.
3. Expansion of Mental Health Support and Community Wellness Programs
Following the increased focus on health and wellbeing, companies may expand mental health support in 2025. This will likely include partnerships with mental health organizations, the integration of wellness resources within schools and communities, and broader public awareness campaigns to destigmatize mental health challenges. With mental health issues on the rise, corporations are recognizing the importance of holistic wellbeing as part of their social investment.
4. Corporate Participation in Housing and Infrastructure Development
As South Africa continues to face a housing shortage, CSR initiatives may extend into housing and basic infrastructure development. This focus on housing could involve corporate contributions to affordable housing projects, collaborations with NGOs, and investments in sustainable building technologies to improve living conditions and create jobs within underserved communities.
5. Youth Empowerment and Job Creation Initiatives
Youth empowerment and job creation initiatives are forecasted to remain a critical focus in 2025, particularly given the high unemployment rates among young South Africans. Companies may ramp up efforts to create job opportunities within their supply chains, promote youth entrepreneurship, and expand graduate training and apprenticeship programs that provide entry points for young people into stable careers.
6. Greater Alignment with Government Development Goals
Finally, corporate social investment in 2025 is expected to align more closely with the South African government’s National Development Plan (NDP) 2030 goals. Corporations may increase partnerships with government and public-sector agencies, focusing on long-term initiatives that contribute to the broader goals of economic equality, environmental protection, and poverty alleviation. This alignment will likely enable companies to maximize their social impact and create more sustainable results.
Conclusion
Looking towards 2025, the focus is expected to deepen into climate resilience, advanced skills development, and alignment with national goals to create an inclusive and resilient future for South Africa. As companies strive to create shared value, CSR and CSI will continue to play a pivotal role in building a more equitable society, where corporate contributions align with the country’s developmental objectives and the aspirations of its people.
About the Author:
Yolanda Gossel is the Founder and Programme Director at Five Tulips, a South African based sustainability and corporate social investment (CSI) consultancy. Five Tulips forges partnerships between communities, public and private sectors and individuals for social upliftment and preservation of our planets resources and ecosystems.
To connect with me visit:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/yolandagossel005/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/Fivetulips
