In South Africa’s corporate social responsibility industry, new champions are starting to emerge. Kabelo Mohono is one such champion, playing a crucial role in driving meaningful change. As the Corporate Social Investment (CSI) Specialist at Coca-Cola Beverages South Africa (CCBSA), Mohono’s journey and the strategic initiatives under his leadership demonstrate a strong commitment to uplifting communities and promoting sustainable development.
Mohono’s career trajectory into Corporate Social Investment was shaped by an initial background in Brand and Communications, followed by roles in Learning and Development, and ultimately in Human Resources. It was within the HR domain, specifically while managing the BBBEE scorecard, that Mohono became involved in strategic Economic Development (ED) and Social Enterprise Development (SED) implementation. His professional journey exemplifies how a combination of skills, passion for community empowerment, and corporate governance can converge to drive meaningful social change. His role at CCBSA seamlessly integrates these elements, allowing for a tangible impact on the social responsibility landscape.
As the CSI Specialist at CCBSA, Mohono is responsible for planning, executing, and monitoring the company’s social investment initiatives. This includes managing the CCBSA Study Buddy Fund Education Programme, the CCBSA ForGood Employee Volunteerism Programme, and overseeing the governance of Social Transformation SED and ED initiatives.
A key focus of his role is ensuring that these programmes align with the company’s objectives and address the needs of the communities they serve. CCBSA’s approach to Corporate Social Investment is characterised by a deep-rooted commitment to sustainability and community empowerment.
The company distinguishes itself by focusing on creating long-term value through initiatives that build capacity and resilience within communities, rather than merely offering short-term support. This strategy is underpinned by collaboration, innovation, and a strong emphasis on measurable outcomes.
Several noteworthy initiatives are currently underway. One of the standout projects is the Creating Shared Value Host Community Support Initiatives, which adopts an integrated approach to Social Enterprise Development by incorporating flagship projects that promote sustainability. Additionally, the CCBSA ForGood platform continues to provide employees with meaningful volunteer opportunities, further enhancing the impact of CCBSA’s CSI investments.
A crucial aspect of Mohono’s role is aligning CSI programmes with CCBSA’s broader goals. Collaboration with various departments, including Public Affairs, Communication, and Sustainability (PACS), ensures that social investment strategies are integrated with the company’s commercial objectives. This alignment guarantees that the initiatives are not only impactful but also supportive of the overall business strategy.
Navigating the diverse needs of communities while aligning them with CCBSA’s strategic objectives presents a significant challenge in this role. To address this, Mohono places a strong emphasis on stakeholder engagement and thorough Social Mapping to ensure that programmes remain relevant and sustainable. Furthermore, the complexities of funding and resource allocation require a strategic partnership approach to maximise impact.
Measuring the impact of CSI initiatives is a critical component of their success. Various metrics, including social return on investment (SROI), are utilised to assess programme effectiveness. Regular monitoring and evaluation enable continuous improvement, ensuring that these initiatives deliver tangible benefits to the communities they are designed to serve. Community engagement is central to Mohono’s approach to CSI. Understanding the unique needs and aspirations of each community is essential for designing impactful programmes. Regular consultations and participatory planning sessions, conducted with regional teams, ensure that initiatives are community-driven and truly beneficial.
Partnerships play a vital role in the success of CCBSA’s CSI programmes. Mohono places great importance on selecting partners who share CCBSA’s values and vision for sustainable development. Collaboration with NGOs, government agencies, and other stakeholders allows for the pooling of resources and expertise, ultimately enhancing the impact of these initiatives.
Looking ahead, the future of Corporate Social Investment in South Africa is poised to become increasingly integrated with business strategies, driving not only social impact but also economic growth.
The role of CSI is expected to continue evolving, with a greater focus on innovation, sustainability, and creating shared value for both businesses and communities.
An excellent article which highlights the importance of collaboration between the private sector , government and more importantly the NGO sector to empower communities.Yesterday was World Mental Health Day and the global theme is “it is time to prioritise mental health in the workplace”. The SA federation for Mental Health is looking forward to future collaborations to bring mental health education and services to the CSI initiatives and community programmes of CCBSA.