M-Net Cares is the brand that encompasses all the Corporate Social Investment projects undertaken by the broadcaster. These cover a wide range of focus areas, including education, healthcare, job creation, skills development and the promotion of South African arts and culture.
Sustainable development and upliftment are key to the M-Net Cares philosophy and all projects are designed to contribute to the socio-economic well-being of the country.
M-Net Naledi Children's Literacy Project
M-Net Naledi is a literacy initiative focusing on primary school children in grade three and represents one of the company's flagship education projects. The project is at present conducted in four languages (English, Sotho, Zulu and Xhosa) in five provinces (Gauteng, KZN, Western Cape, Eastern Cape and the Free State). This year, M-Net Naledi included the Sive School for the Deaf in Cedarville in the Eastern Cape, where the grade three learners discovered the joy of reading. The learners of Sive were also surprised with a a fully equipped library, as well as revamped classrooms and dormitories at the school.
A total of 300 learners across the country participated in 12 weeks of fun-filled reading workshops hosted by M-Net Cares.
Mzansi Magic Market Day
The concept is simple: Kids aged 7-15 set up a stall at venues in major centres across the country where they can either sell their products or perform in the talent section by singing or dancing in front of an audience. They learn important entrepreneurial skills and how to turn a creative idea into a profitable venture.
Staff volunteer initiatives
M-Net employees are passionate about the difference M-Net Cares can make and often volunteer their time and skills to help fellow South Africans.
Home of Hope
In celebration of Valentine's Day and the M-Net Cares Love Drive staff campaign, young girls from The Home of Hope in Johannesburg received M-Net Cares school bags filled with stationery, toiletries and other goodies collected by staff.
Soweto Kliptown Youth Centre
The centre provides a service to people who are affected by poverty, abuse and abandonment. M-Net staff cleaned, painted and reorganised the youth centre and on March 27 2012, the new centre was unveiled.
St Mary's Children's Home
M-Net Cares, along with its partners Builders Warehouse, transformed a cottage at St Mary's — a children's home in Rosettenville.
Breast Cancer Awareness Projects
As part of a long-term mission to increase breast cancer awareness and education, M-Net Cares partnered with Cloud9Golf, Avon Walk and PinkDrive to raise funds for this cause.
Nontsikilelo Drop-In Centre
Honouring World Environment Day on June 15 2012, M-Net Cares observed the day at Nontsikilelo Drop-In Centre in Benoni and funded comprehensive permaculture packs for the NGO. M-Net staff members attended a workshop on gardening and set up a garden for the NGO.