No image available
/ 6 November 2003

Engage with beneficiaries

Businesses must be careful not to impose on people what they think they need or what the companies want. A number of corporate social investment (CSI) projects that have been undertaken by companies have turned into white elephants because the companies may not have researched the needs of the community for which the initiative is intended.

No image available
/ 6 November 2003

Girl children undergo a ‘life-changing experience’

Girls aged between 14 and 18 start applying their minds to career and education choices, so this is a good age at which to prevent their choices from being influenced by gender stereotyping. This was the reason why, on May 8 this year, more than 2 500 girl children from schools in disadvantaged communities across the country were invited to participate in Cell C’s Take a Girl Child to Work Day.

No image available
/ 6 November 2003

A sour tale with a sweet ending

<b>Finalist – Corporations:</b> Eskom Cairn Lemon Project
David Mabaso can tell you a thing or two about the sweet and sour of life. The tall, 38-year-old son of farm labourers at Cairn Farm near Nelspruit, is a hero in his community after playing a central role in preventing them from being evicted and for negotiating tirelessly to get them a 45ha lemon orchard.

No image available
/ 6 November 2003

Daily loaf does more than stop hunger

<b>Finalist – Corporations:</b> Eskom Abalindi Bakery
Life in rural South Africa is not easy for millions of impoverished citizens. Umzinyathi in Inanda, KwaZulu-Natal, is no exception. But an investment by the Eskom Development Foundation of more than R200 000 in a local bakery that was struggling to make ends meet has offered the community a ray of hope.

No image available
/ 6 November 2003

The rewards of building together

<b>Finalist – Corporate Employee Community Involvement Programme:</b> Afrox’s Community Involvement Process and Bumbanani Day
Many companies take pride only in increased market share, but Afrox Oxygen Limited (Afrox) rates highly its achievements in improving staff relations and loyalty through its Community Involvement Programme (CIP).

No image available
/ 6 November 2003

People with a passion

If you are feeling depressed or cynical about life, get hold of a copy of Old Mutual’s annual brochure on its Staff Community Builder Programme, writes <i>Fiona Macleod</i>. Titled <i>People with a passion … to give, to care, to share</i>, it is an uplifting glimpse into how ordinary people can make a big difference.

No image available
/ 6 November 2003

When you give, you grow’

<b>Winner — Corporate Employee Community Involvement Programme
Old Mutual Staff Volunteer Programme</b>
The Old Mutual Staff Volunteer Programme was launched in 1993, long before employee community programmes had become vogue in South Africa. It was set up in response to the many requests for funding the company received from staff.