Doing Nothing Wrong—and Still Losing – Editor’s Note

There are moments when a book doesn’t just inform—it confronts you. Reading Why the Rich Are Getting Richer by Robert Kiyosaki was one of those moments. While on the surface it offers financial insights, its deeper message speaks to shifts—shifts in value, in time, and in how we measure progress.

Kiyosaki recalls how, in 1971, the US dollar was unpegged from gold—transforming it from a currency backed by tangible value into mere paper. The implications? A steady decline in purchasing power and the rise of inflation. Once, saving was a wise strategy; now, it can quietly drain your worth. What was once a tool of security has, in this age, become a slow leak.

This idea of change—subtle but irreversible—stayed with me. It echoed in the story of Stephen Elop, former CEO of Nokia. When asked how one of the world’s most iconic brands lost its dominance, his response was simple: “We did nothing wrong, but somehow, we lost.”

It’s a line I can’t forget.

Because we in the Corporate Social Investment (CSI) sector must ask ourselves the same hard question: while we’ve been doing what we’ve always done—have we fallen behind?

As we commemorated 30 years of democracy in South Africa last year, this question took on a new urgency. What has the CSI sector produced in that time? Can we point to a legacy of empowered black organisations, robust black NGOs, sustainable enterprises nurtured through the very systems we claim to uphold?

More critically: have we been intentional in ensuring that black businesses find a home within our supply chains, in our enterprise development strategies, in the economic frameworks we support? Or have we unconsciously preserved a status quo?

This upcoming issue—releasing on 28 May—dives headfirst into the theme of transformation. But not the kind that lives in policy documents or speeches. We’re talking about real, visible, measurable transformation. We’ve long recognised the value of including women in the workforce. It is now time to give the same attention to the inclusion of black-owned businesses and black-led NGOs in CSI implementation, decision-making, and leadership.

Inside this issue, we’re proud to feature the work of FirstRand Foundation, Old Mutual, Development Bank of Southern Africa, Barloworld, and more. These are organisations demonstrating not only intent, but tangible action. We are hoping to also welcome Investec.

Not sure if you know but, we’ve themed this the Year of Numbers. But this is not about data for data’s sake. It’s about accounting—for impact, for outcomes, for progress. We’re looking ahead to 2050 and asking: what kind of industry will we be? What results will we be able to show—proudly, undeniably?

This is more than a publication. It’s a collective record. And it won’t be complete without you.

So I invite you to contribute: share your projects, your partnerships, the people and communities you’ve empowered. Let us spotlight the work that matters. My inbox is open, and our team is ready to showcase the stories behind the numbers.

Because, as Kiyosaki warns and Elop reminds us—seasons change. Time moves. Those who don’t adapt risk being left behind. Not for lack of effort. But for failing to see what was coming.

Let this issue be the pivot point. Let it be the moment we recalibrate, realign, and recommit.