Marianne Merten
The NGO-driven Ditikeni Investment Company exceeded its expectations when it received share commitments of more than R1-milllion at its launch last week. The aim of Ditikeni – “something to lean on” in Tshivenda – is to generate funding security for NGOs in the development sector, ranging from poverty relief, education, health, HIV/Aids and skills training.
Any organisation in the development sector can purchase shares in the company, although a long-term commitment of at least five years and a minimum of R5000 are expected.
Ditikeni will invest in any Johannesburg Stock Exchange-listed and unlisted company, but with a social conscience. It will scrutinise a company’s track record in social responsibility and exclude, for example, companies in the gun-making industry. Ditikeni is also looking to take advantage of opportunities such as discounted share offers by companies preparing to list on the Johannesburg Stock Exchange.