LUSA: A Finalist for the CSI Legacy Awards in the Best Social Enterprise Category”

Lusa Community Chest, formerly known as Sasolburg Community Chest, has spent over three decades pioneering transformative initiatives in South Africa. The organisation’s commitment to community development, capacity building, and skills training has earned it a well-deserved nomination for the prestigious CSI Legacy Awards, where it is recognised as a finalist in the Best Social Enterprise category. Lusa’s journey from humble beginnings to becoming a key player in community empowerment reflects its dedication to positively impacting countless lives across South Africa and beyond.

The story of Lusa Community Chest began with Veronica Kietzmann-Cronje, a young journalist whose passion for creating meaningful change led her to transition into the nonprofit sector at the age of 21. Starting as a centre manager for a small non-profit organisation with limited resources, she quickly developed a vision for empowering local communities. This vision grew to include national and international collaborations, earning Lusa recognition from United Way, which tasked the organisation with developing global standards for non-profits. These experiences shaped Lusa’s mission: to inspire, train, and mobilise social entrepreneurs while addressing crucial community needs in education, wellbeing, and income generation. Over the years, Lusa has built an impressive legacy of social change, creating opportunities for growth and development for individuals and communities alike.

Lusa’s programmes are designed with a deep understanding of the needs of the communities they serve. The Gr8-Start Programme, for example, equips early childhood educators with the necessary skills to prepare learners for formal schooling. Another key initiative, the Youth Leadership Academy, offers business and personal development training to unemployed youth, empowering them to become leaders and innovators in their communities. One of the foundation’s most impactful programmes, the Abigail Enterprise Programme, offers a five-week intensive course designed to help South African women establish and grow their own businesses. By promoting entrepreneurship, particularly among women, Lusa contributes to economic stability and empowers entire communities.

Lusa’s NPO Incubator is another significant initiative. This five-month capacity-building programme is designed to assist start-up and existing non-profit organisations in becoming efficient, compliant, and sustainable. Lusa’s commitment to neuro-coaching has also set it apart from many other organisations. Recognising the value of coaching as a tool for personal and organisational growth, Lusa has integrated coaching principles into its offerings. Their certified coaching and mediation courses, developed in collaboration with COMENSA and NABFAM, equip individuals with the skills to navigate challenges and unlock their full potential.

Lusa’s success is driven by collaboration and innovation. By partnering with organisations such as One Million Strong, they have expanded their reach globally, training social entrepreneurs in countries like Malawi, Kenya, and Honduras. Locally, their programmes have touched the lives of more than 20,000 students and 1,000 educators, showcasing the transformative power of their work. During the pandemic, Lusa quickly adapted by developing an online learning platform, extending its training programmes to a global audience. Achieving SETA accreditation further cemented their reputation as a leader in skills development and education.

Lusa’s future vision remains bold. The organisation aims to train 20,000 youth coaches in South Africa over the next decade, fostering a generation of leaders with a “victor mentality” who will uplift their families and communities. By instilling values of resilience, personal mastery, and emotional intelligence, Lusa is creating a brighter future for South Africa. The success stories of trained coaches practising worldwide and entrepreneurs experiencing significant business growth are proof of the effectiveness of Lusa’s approach.

The nomination for the CSI Legacy Awards in the Best Social Enterprise category is a testament to Lusa’s innovative approach and unwavering commitment to making lasting change. Through strategic partnerships with corporates, NPOs, and community leaders, Lusa has demonstrated that meaningful change is possible when resources, passion, and vision align. Their work not only uplifts individuals but also strengthens the very fabric of South African society. Lusa’s journey is a beacon of hope and inspiration, proving that with dedication and collaboration, a more equitable and empowered society can be built. As they look to the future, Lusa invites others to join their mission to transform lives and communities, one step at a time

Simphiwe Mtetwa
Simphiwe Mtetwa is South Africa’s leading Corporate Social Responsibility news, media and publishing firm. We create content on social responsibility, helping government, corporates, consultants, NPOs and NGOs to reach their target markets through appropriate, targeted development news.

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