The Future Of Corporate Social Investment: Insights From Lunga Schoeman – Head Of CSI – DBSA

In the latest episode of The Future of Corporate Social Investment (CSI), Lunga Schoeman, a veteran in the field of corporate social responsibility, shares his insights on the evolving landscape of CSI and what the future might hold. With a wealth of experience from roles at notable organisations like Shoprite, Oceana Group, and the DG Murray Trust, Lunga offers a unique perspective on how corporate social responsibility is set to transform in the coming years.

As someone who has witnessed the challenges and triumphs of CSI firsthand, Lunga’s career has been marked by a deep commitment to integrating meaningful social impact into corporate strategies. Reflecting on his journey, Lunga recounts his experiences during the COVID-19 pandemic, which starkly exposed the inadequacies of South Africa’s social support systems. “Every single call that came in was a CSI call,” he recalls, highlighting the overwhelming need for corporate involvement in community support during the crisis.

This intense period of demand led Lunga to a pivotal realisation: traditional approaches to CSI, often centred around donations and short-term interventions, were insufficient to address the scale of the problems facing South Africa. “The problems we face are much bigger than just food donations and soup kitchens,” he notes. This realisation spurred Lunga to explore deeper, more sustainable solutions to social issues, leading him to join the DG Murray Trust. Here, he gained valuable insights into the importance of programmatic solutions and the role of public policy in creating a capable state.

Looking ahead, Lunga envisions a future where CSI evolves beyond its current form, moving towards a more integrated and strategic approach. He emphasises the need for corporates to engage with the root causes of social issues rather than merely addressing the symptoms. “The future of CSI lies in understanding and tackling the systemic challenges that underpin social inequalities,” he explains.

According to Lunga, this shift will require businesses to rethink their role in society. Rather than viewing CSI as a peripheral activity, companies must embed social impact into their core operations and decision-making processes. This means going beyond philanthropy and aligning business strategies with social objectives to create shared value. “It’s about leveraging the full power of business to drive positive change,” Lunga asserts.

He also highlights the importance of collaboration between the public and private sectors. As governments struggle to address complex social issues on their own, there is a growing need for partnerships that bring together the resources and expertise of both sectors. “The future of CSI will see more cross-sector collaboration, with businesses playing a crucial role in supporting public policy initiatives and contributing to the creation of a capable state,” Lunga predicts.

Ultimately, Lunga believes that the future of CSI will be defined by its ability to adapt to changing social dynamics and to respond proactively to emerging challenges. As the world faces new and unprecedented crises, the role of corporate social responsibility will become increasingly vital. “We need to be forward-thinking and innovative in our approach to CSI, ensuring that we are not just reacting to problems, but actively working to prevent them,” he concludes.

Lunga’s vision for the future of Corporate Social Investment is both ambitious and necessary. As companies navigate this evolving landscape, his insights offer a roadmap for how businesses can contribute to building a more just and equitable society.