We have to find ways to facilitate and accelerate economic growth if we plan to successfully combat unemployment and poverty in our country. Did you know that more than a quarter of our population is currently unemployed ? How about a further quarter of our population living below the poverty line?
These challenges are relieved by social grants and interventions run by NGOs with financial support generated mostly from foreign aid, however there is still much to be done to ensure access to essential services are maintained to have a positive impact on our impoverished communities.
Our Government launched a strategic policy that aims to realise South Africa’s economic potential. This was promulgated in 2003. Unfortunately, the policy is misrepresented, poorly understood and misinterpreted in application on many levels. As result it seems to threaten those who don’t understand it and conversely enriches those who abuse its good intention.
Broad Based Black Economic Empowerment (B-BBEE) is widely criticised. Albeit perhaps not perfect, I don’t recall any product or innovation being launched as 100% perfect first time around. There is always a “beta” version in software, because we continually work to improve things.
If Implemented correctly, B-BBEE can have a positive influence and impact on business while adding value to the economy and disadvantaged communities. The Act seeks to advance economic transformation by enhancing the economic participation of black people in South Africa: An important instrument aimed at broadening the economic base of the country, which stimulates economic growth and creates employment by increasing the amount of economically active people.
My portfolio involves marketing a healthcare NGO, Kheth’Impilo, to ensure visibility, attract interest and investment. Economic changes in the traditional funding landscape changed dramatically in the past two years due to macro economic factors in the US and Europe. The economic downturn resulted in increased competition for access to available funding streams and a general reduction in philanthropic investment channelled towards HIV / AIDS related causes became evident.
Involving corporate business who follow the triple bottom line principle (3 Ps) was the obvious next step, however explaining what we do to corporate companies proved challenging. The overall perception of supporting charity amounts to funds disappearing into an abyss of dependency.
As a structured business case, Kheth’Impilo offers return on investment to corporate business, specifically with regard to earning points on their BEE scorecard for Socio-Economic Development and providing receipts for donations under section 18A for their tax benefit. Higher scorecard ratings translate to preferred business, which leads to an improved bottom-line.
Our health and education programmes address poverty alleviation, stimulates economic participation by enabling access to the workplace and supports sustainable access into the South African economy for disadvantaged individuals and their communities nationally.
The organisation is committed to advancing skills within rural areas and addressing the scarce and critical skills required within the Health and Welfare Sector. It is crucial for training undertaken today to lead towards an accredited qualification. Our available learnerships for matriculants include - basic pharmacist assistant, post-basic pharmacist assistant, Social Auxiliary work, Community adherence as well as Phlebotomy. In addition, the organisation also provides training to healthcare professionals on HIV, STIs, TB treatment and prevention, accredited with the Health Professions Council of South Africa, earning CPD points on completion.
Corporate Social Investment (CSI) contributes to a healthy corporate image and builds a positive reputation from a marketing and public relations perspective.
Position your brand as socially responsible through a value based partnership with Kheth'Impilo, buying into our vision “Towards an AIDS free generation in our time” is a simple yet effective way of earning your BEE points with an added tax benefits.
Kheth'Impilo promotes equitable and just employment, accountable procurement and responsible environmental practices.
For more information please visit http://www.khethimpilo.org/support/csi
