CSI Sunday Times - Business Media MAGS

CSI Sunday Times

One of the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic is that many corporates have revisited their corporate social investment (CSI). This is partly an economic decision because of the impact COVID-19 had on many companies and individuals. But it is also because, in many ways, our priorities have changed since the height of the pandemic, which is still with us today, but in a more whispered manner.

The good thing is that many companies are still committed to spending money on social responsibility projects, whether in education, economic development or the environment. It could also mean addressing issues such as literacy or poverty alleviation. One of the controversial projects in recent times is the development at the River Club in Cape Town. We decided to look at a part of this project that not many people have been talking about – the attempts to preserve the heritage of the First Nation people of South Africa.

It is an important topic that we need to discuss. But we also look at some projects that deal with the environment or promote better health. In the end, CSI is meant to uplift poor communities so that, eventually, we will have a more equitable society. That society is a long way off, and, until then, we must ensure that CSI spending is done in the best possible way.

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