I was reading Chris Bishop’s compelling book, “The BEE Billionaires,” which delves into the stories of individuals who have utilised South Africa’s Black Economic Empowerment (BEE) framework to amass significant wealth. It sparked a question that I believe resonates deeply with the work we do in Corporate Social Investment (CSI): has BEE truly succeeded in redressing past inequalities, or has it simply created a new class divide? While the book highlights the achievements of black entrepreneurs who have benefitted from the system, it also prompts us to consider the broader implications of economic empowerment.
This naturally leads us to reflect on the role of CSI. Has it contributed to ensuring that the benefits of BEE are more widely distributed, rather than concentrated among a select few? And what narratives truly capture the impact of CSI within our own sector?
These questions lie at the heart of the upcoming winter edition of Matter Magazine. With its theme of “CSI Transformation,” this edition will take a deep dive into the evolution of CSI in South Africa since 1994, critically evaluating whether the sector has genuinely fostered the growth of Black businesses and industries.
To illustrate the transformative power of CSI, we will feature some of the most impactful CSI stories – stories that reveal the “Why” behind the dedication of CSI practitioners. Why do they invest their time, energy, and resources into making a difference? This issue aims to capture the essence of CSI, celebrating the programmes that drive meaningful, long-term change and highlighting the moments that inspire the work being done across South Africa.
One such story is that of Sibusiso, whose journey profoundly moved everyone at the CSI Legacy Awards. Sibusiso tragically lost both his parents to Covid within two months, forcing him and his three siblings to navigate a world of uncertainty and hardship at the tender age of fifteen. However, through the support of CSI initiatives, he not only found stability but also the opportunity to flourish. Today, he embodies resilience and the transformative power of CSI. His story reminds us that CSI is more than just figures on a spreadsheet; it’s about real people whose lives are forever changed for the better. For those unable to attend the awards, we will share Sibusiso’s journey on our social media platforms, commencing on March 17, 2025, with a dedicated five-week campaign that will showcase his remarkable progress.
Beyond Sibusiso, the CSI Legacy Awards celebrated the sector’s excellence and dedication. We recognised organisations and individuals who have made significant contributions to social development. The evening, supported by partners such as Standard Bank, Coca-Cola Beverages South Africa, and Old Mutual, demonstrated the impact that corporate investments can have on communities. The award winners included KFC, Rhiza Ventures, MiDesk, Afrika Tikkun, and Colleen Larsen. Each winner exemplified the best of CSI, highlighting the vital work being done to combat poverty, improve education, and empower the most vulnerable members of society. Their success stories serve as a reminder that genuine empowerment involves tangible, on-the-ground change, not just legislation.
As we move forward, we encourage CSI divisions across the country to share the stories that best illustrate their motivations and demonstrate the transformative power of CSI. With only 15 features in this issue, we prioritise depth over breadth.
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