For 20 years the Mail & Guardian’s annual Investing in the Future Awards have celebrated the contributions made by corporate South Africa to the country’s future.
The awards not only showcase excellence in corporate social investment (CSI) and responsibility, but serve as a platform for discussion around best practice in the corporate world.
They reflect changes in CSI thinking and practice and give recognition to projects at the cutting edge of the wellbeing of society.
During this year’s judging process, for instance, it became clear that there has been a shift towards companies funding educational initiatives.
An issue that came under scrutiny by the judges was the sustainability of funded development. When do the scales tip to ensure self sufficiency of a project? When do funders pull out, in the knowledge that a project will survive and thrive?
The Investing in the Future judges, all respected CSI experts, dwelt on these topics in deciding this year’s winners and finalists. Discussions at times became heated.
But there was unanimous agreement that their measure of excellence applied to projects that were sustainable, innovative, holistic and possible to replicate.
The winners and finalists of the Investing in the Future Awards are fêted in this special supplement in the M&G and at a banquet held in Johannesburg on October 29.
Because of the depth of commitment by all parties involved in the M&G Investing in the Future Awards, they have become the leader in their field and have attracted illustrious partners such as the Southern Africa Trust.
The Southern African Trust has sponsored the Drivers of Change Awards for four years. The trust also arranged for Benjamin Mkapa, former president of Tanzania, to deliver the keynote address. The Drivers of Change Awards recognise individuals and organisations from across Southern Africa that effect and promote systemic change.
The awards received nominations from 10 countries in the region this year and Neville Gabriel, the trust’s executive director, praised the overall quality of the entries in all categories. — Fiona Macleod