Latest news with #CorporateSocialInvestment
The Citizen
5 days ago
- Business
- The Citizen
Corporate South Africa unites to pack 650 000 meals on Mandela Day
In a remarkable display of compassion and corporate citizenship, over 3 500 volunteers from across South Africa's business sector came together at the Sandton Convention Centre on Mandela Day to pack 650 000 meals. This large-scale initiative, led by non-profit organisation Rise Against Hunger Africa, will directly support over 78 500 children in Early Childhood Development (ECD) centres across the country. Read more: From volunteer to CEO, Kim expands smiles The annual Mandela Day event is the largest of its kind for Rise Against Hunger Africa, engaging employees from major financial institutions such as ABSA, Standard Bank, and Nedbank, as well as numerous insurance and other corporate entities. Rise Against Hunger Africa CEO Brian Nell said, 'Our goal today is to pack 650 000 meals, that's enough to provide five nutritious meals a week to 2 860 children for an entire year while they attend their ECDs. 'It's not just about feeding kids, it's about helping them learn, grow, and thrive during their most critical developmental years.' While Mandela Day sees a large collective effort, Rise Against Hunger Africa operates year-round, supplying monthly food deliveries to over 720 ECD centres nationwide. The meals are specially designed to meet the nutritional needs of young children and are delivered consistently by the non-profit's distribution team and partner organisations. 'We've built a system where meals are delivered regularly, and every meal has a one-year shelf life. Our impact isn't just measured in meals, but in better educational outcomes and healthier, happier children.' Throughout the year, Rise Against Hunger hosts smaller meal-packing events at various company premises, creating hands-on volunteering opportunities for employees and integrating Corporate Social Investment (CSI) into daily business culture. 'Corporate South Africa rocks – without them, we wouldn't be able to do what we do. These companies aren't just donating for tax breaks anymore. They're involved, they're present, and they're changing lives.' Among the key partners in this year's Mandela Day activation was ABSA Group. Their team contributed significantly across four regions: Gauteng, KZN, Western Cape, and Free State, packing over 71 000 meals. Manager Colleague Volunteering and Social Impact Response at ABSA, Zintle Zhazia, said, 'This initiative aligns with our strategy of being a force for good in the communities we serve. 'Food security is a major issue in our country, and we believe that by bringing our colleagues along to participate and give back, we are actively contributing to long-term social impact.' Zhazia emphasised that Rise Against Hunger's collaborative model is key to lasting impact. 'By working with multiple corporations, Rise Against Hunger creates a shared value approach that strengthens communities and maximises support for young children in ECDs.' Follow us on our Whatsapp channel, Facebook, X, Instagram and TikTok for the latest updates and inspiration! At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!
The South African
09-07-2025
- The South African
NPA probes withdrawal of GBV case against PSL's Ace Ncobo
The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) is probing domestic violence claims against Premier Soccer League (PSL) general manager Andile 'Ace' Ncobo. He was arrested on Saturday, 28 June, for allegedly assaulting his partner in Kempton Park, Ekurhuleni. The incident was allegedly witnessed by a minor. Ncobo appeared in Kempton Park Magistrate's Court on Tuesday, 8 July. He was released on a warning after his partner withdrew the charges against him. Despite this , the NPA will continue to probe the circumstances surrounding the withdrawal statements. Ncobo's partner filed several statements, claiming there are no threats against her life. She also described the former International Association Football Federation (FIFA) referee as a 'good man'. She also claimed that he had never been violent in the past. The investigation comes amid a separate fraud and money laundering case involving Ncobo and his wife, Salomie Twaise. The case centres on a R15 million donation meant for school construction projects in the Eastern Cape. According to the NPA, the couple allegedly engaged in a fraudulent scheme to secure funding from the Petroleum Oil and Gas Corporation of South Africa (PetroSA). The funds were allocated through PetroSA's Corporate Social Investment (CSI) programme, which supports disadvantaged schools, institutions, and disaster management efforts. Ncobo was granted bail of R50,000, while Twaise was granted bail of R30,000. The case has been postponed for further investigation. Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 11. Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X and Bluesky for the latest news
Zawya
30-05-2025
- Business
- Zawya
From dependency to empowerment: Why we need to transform CSI in Africa?
Corporate social investment (CSI) is meant to change lives. But what happens when it does the opposite? Tshego Bokaba, CSI Manager at the Momentum Group Foundation Across Africa, well-meaning initiatives – designed in boardrooms, backed by big budgets and rolled out with fanfare – have long been positioned as a force for good. But what if, in trying to help, we're sometimes making things worse? In too many cases, CSI projects miss the mark: fostering dependence instead of empowerment, duplicating efforts already underway, or overlooking the very people they're meant to serve. As Africa reflects on transformation during Africa Month, it's time to ask harder questions about how – and why – corporate giving can backfire. We've seen programmes that distribute food parcels without investing in food security, or those that introduce technology into schools without training teachers or ensuring the infrastructure exists to support it. These are not just inefficiencies – they are missed opportunities, and in some cases, they actively disempower communities. This is not to say that CSI is inherently flawed. But when it's not rooted in context, consultation and co-creation, it can do more harm than good. Consultation is vital One of the most common missteps I've seen is designing projects for communities rather than with them. Too often, corporates decide what a school, clinic, or neighbourhood needs, without ever speaking to the school governing body, community leaders, or the people who live there. Even the best-resourced interventions can fall flat if they're out of step with local realities. In my view, there are five key principles that every CSI practitioner should treat as non-negotiable: research, consultation, co-creation, listening, and partnership. These may sound simple, but they require humility and a willingness to let go of control. Just because we have the resources doesn't mean we have all the answers. The result of bypassing this process is often what I call performative CSI: initiatives that look good in a press release but lack any meaningful or lasting impact. It's when we treat communities like passive recipients instead of equal partners. It's when we focus on meeting KPIs instead of solving real problems. And it's when we forget that behind every number in a dashboard is a person with dreams, struggles and potential. More than just quick fixes CSI in Africa must be about more than optics. We have a responsibility to confront the inequalities that still define too many lives – children who walk long distances to overcrowded schools, families without access to clinics, young people with no clear path to employment. Real impact means going beyond short-term gestures and investing in solutions that last. It means removing the everyday obstacles that chip away at people's dignity, potential and hope. That's why I believe we need to move toward collaborative, sector-wide approaches. The challenges we face – whether it's poverty, unemployment, education or access to healthcare – are too layered and too urgent for any one organisation to tackle alone. Corporates, non-profits and government must work together in coordinated, transparent and scalable ways if we're serious about lasting change. There are strong signs that the sector is beginning to shift. According to the Next Generation trends and insights research report 2025/2026 on the social, solidarity and impact economies of South Africa, future transformation should focus on improving sector effectiveness, strengthening local organisations, reducing duplication, and encouraging more sustainable, locally driven solutions. This includes enabling organisations to generate their own income and diversify funding models, ensuring they're not entirely reliant on donor capital. Leadership development We also need to build the next generation of leaders: individuals and institutions who are equipped to respond to the rapidly evolving social and economic realities of our continent. Africa's problems are unique, and our solutions must be too. This Africa Month, I want to challenge my peers across the CSI and development space to ask harder questions. Not just 'How much did we give?' or 'How many people did we reach?' but rather, 'Who did we speak to?' and 'What changed?' and also 'What do the communities themselves say they need next?' Show up with open ears and open minds, not just open wallets. The stakes are too high for us to get this wrong. If we want to be part of the solution, we must be willing to rethink the way we give – and, more importantly, the way we listen.
Eyewitness News
08-05-2025
- Business
- Eyewitness News
Primedia Cares partners with Trialogue for the 2025 Business in Society Conference
Primedia Cares is proud to announce its partnership with Trialogue for the upcoming Trialogue Business in Society Conference, South Africa's premier event dedicated to corporate responsibility. This high-impact gathering will take place on 12–14 May 2025 at The Galleria, Sandton, and online. Focusing on the 'S' in ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance), the conference will bring together corporate leaders, nonprofit professionals, and thought leaders to explore the theme: 'Driving Impact, Inspiring Change.' 'Trialogue is proud to be partnering with Primedia Cares to bring stories of corporate citizenship and social impact to a broader audience. By bringing together industry leaders, changemakers, and visionaries at the conference, we aim to showcase innovation and inspire actionable strategies that create lasting societal value," said Cathy Duff, Director at Trialogue. This year's programme will include deep dives into topics such as the role of business in society, trends in Corporate Social Investment (CSI), education, entrepreneurship, and innovation for social good. The conference aims to promote meaningful dialogue, foster strategic partnerships, and inspire actionable change that contributes to a more equitable and sustainable South Africa. 702's 'The John Perlman Show' will broadcast live from the event, bringing the conference's powerful conversations and insights to a broader audience. 'At Primedia Cares, we believe in the power of purposeful partnerships to drive real, lasting change. By collaborating with Trialogue, we're proud to amplify conversations that matter — around education, entrepreneurship, and social impact — and to help shape a future where business and media play a truly transformative role in society,' said Trish Taylor, Head of Primedia Cares. The event kicks off with a Masterclass on Monday, 12 May, followed by two full days of thought leadership, collaboration, and insight on 13 and 14 May. For more information and to register, visit
IOL News
07-05-2025
- Sport
- IOL News
PSL silent on action against GM Andile Ncobo amid fraud charges
General Manager of the Premier Soccer League and former international referee, Andile Ncobo, and his wife, Salomie, appeared in the Bellville Magistrate's Court in the Western Cape. They are facing fraud and money laundering charges for allegedly embezzling millions of rand for a project in the Eastern Cape. Image: Ayanda Ndamane / Independent Media THE Premier Soccer League (PSL) remains mum on any action it will take against its general manager, Andile 'Ace' Ncobo, who faces charges of fraud and money laundering. Ncobo and his wife Salomie appeared at the Bellville Magistrate's Court on Monday where they were granted bail of R50 000 and R30 000 respectively. Ncobo, who has been a host on the Extra Time TV show on Supersport, DSTV channel 202, for the past 13 years, has since announced his resignation from the show. According to the prosecution, the couple is accused of orchestrating a scheme to unlawfully secure funds from the Petroleum Oil and Gas Corporation of South Africa SOC Limited (PetroSA) for their personal benefit, as well as for relatives and organisations in which they held a financial stake. PetroSA operated a Corporate Social Investment (CSI) initiative, designed to distribute financial assistance to under-resourced schools, non-profit institutions, and disaster relief efforts. The initiative primarily supported causes related to education, healthcare, community development, and environmental sustainability. In 2008, Gangatha Junior Secondary School in the Eastern Cape applied for funding from PetroSA to improve its infrastructure, including new classrooms, labs, and sports facilities. PetroSA approved a R13 million donation, and an unregistered entity called King's Gangatha Building Trust was set up to handle the project. Ncobo allegedly took charge of the construction from November 2008 to September 2009, despite not being officially appointed or authorised by the school to do so. The Hawks had been investigating the case for over a decade. While Ncobo announced his resignation from the Extra Time TV show on Supersport, he also said he was innocent. On his Facebook page, Ncobo shared a message with his viewers. 'For the past 13 years, we've been together every Monday evening. We developed our love-hate relationship as real football people always do. You loved me when my analysis favoured your club, and hated me the very next week when it did not. Through it all, you were educated on the intricacies of refereeing decisions,' he wrote. He further explained what he did when he got out of the courtroom. 'Sadly, the very first thing I did when I stepped out of court was to call my SuperSport Football boss and informed him that I will immediately cease to be part of the show in the foreseeable future, as I do not want my personal circumstances to tarnish the valuable role that the show plays within the football ecosystem, as well as respect for the Supersport brand,' Ncobo said. He remained adamant that he is innocent.
