Janet Matthee Are businesses doing enough to give back to the communities in which they work? This has been a question that many South African companies have faced since Corporate Social Investment (CSI) programmes became more widespread and formalised in the country. The answers haven’t always been favourable. The findings of Anglo American’s R100m investment into education between 2010 and 2014 are a great example of how CSI programmes can be inneffective in reaching set objectives[2]. This is according to Paschal Phelan, Chairman of Solar Capital – developers of the largest solar farm in the Southern Hemisphere – who says that the success of a company is not simply down to intelligent business models, but that it also relates to meaningful interaction within the community affected by the business, as well as investment into sustainable, developmental projects with positive long-term effects. “Too many companies’ CSI programmes remain on the periphery of their business objective...

MAXI’S CORPORATE SOCIAL INVESTMENT DRIVES CUSTOMER VALUE While Maxi’s understands that its Corporate Social Investment (CSI) activities position the company as responsible and caring corporate citizen, Bronwyn Oliveira, brand manager of Maxi’s explains why the chain of nationwide family restaurants has decided that it will focus on CSI. With a footprint of over 65 franchised restaurants across South Africa, Maxi’s appreciates that our customers are our greatest asset and without them, the organisation would not exist. It is with this customer-centric approach in mind that we recognise that a satisfied customer is the greatest business partner that we could ever have. Having identified consumer collaboration as key to our business success, and having a clear understanding that CSI physically demonstrates the heart and soul of the company, we have decided to place the responsibility of social upliftment squarely onto our customers’ shoulders, and with our help, we are able to make...