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"MADE IN AFRICA - FOR AFRICA" FDA NEWSLETTER
MASS MAIL
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The FOUNDATION FOR THE DEVELOPMENT OF AFRICA proudly presents you with the following information that may add value to Africa's development. Please direct any correspondence to: info@isupportafrica.com
The 'bottom line' for any business is making profit - this is essential - sustainable development must start from within. The financial wellbeing of our business is portrayed in our financial statements and annual reports and these reports are often presented as a reference when seeking new contracts.
However the world at large is now seeking more commitment from business by demanding sound reporting on not only your financial status but also reporting on your commitment to the environment - ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT and your reporting on your commitment to social issues - CORPORATE SOCIAL INVESTMENT.
Internationally these reports are referred to as The TRIPLE BOTTOM LINE
To just write out a cheque as your contribution to Corporate Social Investment is no longer the easy way out - you need to report on how this money was applied too the benefit of others.
Business often 'showcase' projects and donations on their promo material and websites as part of their Corporate Social Investment programme yet fail to disclose the actual contribution. These contributions are often insignificant and all to often an embarrassment when compared to the reported profit.
Within the framework of the TRIPLE BOTTOM LINE business will have to provide a detailed report on contributions made to Corporate Social Investment, therefore eliminating 'fake' contributions, also referred to as 'window dressing'
I will be chairing and presenting at a conference on Corporate Social Responsibility and Reporting where a number of these issues will be addressed:
ENDORSED BY THE FOUNDATION FOR THE DEVELOPMENT OF AFRICA
For more detail on this event please contact:
This is a plea for you to support our FDA AFRICA SUPPORTERS and FDA PARTNERS. There wellbeing indirectly means our wellbeing.
Our FDA AFRICA SUPPORTERS are showcased and branded on every 'index page' within our 600 plus page websites - see:
Our FDA PARTNERS are showcased on our dedicated FDA PARTNER website - see:
The services and products of our supporters/partners are indexed on our PRODUCTS AND SERVICES SERVING AFRICA - This section is becoming very popular and is receiving substantial 'hits' from around the globe - see:
It may be in your interest to participate as a FDA PARTNER - see why:
We need you to support our efforts - please participate:
Please add your name to a growing list of names proclaiming - "YES! I support Africa" - see:
24 April 2006
The following quote is taken from your FDA article (18 April 2006) with the same heading.
“The world at large is now seeking more commitment from business by demanding sound reporting on TRIPLE BOTTOM LINE ISSUES”
I am extremely passionate on the subject of CSI/CSR, as you are well aware. It is a topic that far exceeds the boundaries of boardrooms and conferences. However, if we are as serious as we claim to be about CSI/CSR, then we have to confront, as a matter of extreme urgency, specifics that could destroy the integrity of social projects.
One of the greatest challenge facing CSI/CSR initiatives is to strike a balance between the immense expectations CSI/CSR projects creates when it is initially launched, and the complete devastation it leaves in it’s wake, when it does not live up to it’s full potential, or when it fails, due a host of reasons.
Communities that have experienced this kind of disappointment are worse off now, then what they were, before the program initially started. We must be vigilant toward the level of hope that is created when we use all our automated resources and professional ability to sell these concepts to our beneficiaries. The only other sector that creates more optimism then CSI/CSR, is religion. I am not for one second advocating that CSI/CSR is on par with religious beliefs, but in an era where the majority of us measures wealth by what material values we own, then the slightest glimmer of hope to ward attaining that wealth, becomes a beacon of hope.
Thus, it becomes important to address essential questions that need attention at CSI/CSR conferences. The following uncertainties causes unthinkable trepidation within me;-
I applaud the initiatives, interventions, and strategies implemented by Corporate South Africa, through their individual CSI/CSR programs. However, the stark reality that we still have a long way to go is glaringly obvious. Some of the contributory factors that prohibit CSI/CSR projects from reaching its full potential are the fact that CSI/CSR managers/manageresses do not comprehend the importance of their mission.
These managers/manageresses are from affluent families, and thus do not understand the fundamental reason for their division within the company, let alone their responsibility toward the communities they are expected to serve. Their CSI/CSR jobs are merely stepping stones to a better career. I cannot blame them because the requirements for this specific job, is unfortunately not readily available in theoretical format, nor through a skills transference program.
What I have learned, through my personal involvement with socio-economic development initiatives, is priceless, to say the least. These daily lessons have brought me to a point where the following questions, with respect to CSI/CSR managers/manageresses positions, needs to be addressed.
Do I, as CSI/CSR managers/manageresses, possess this non-negotiable virtue?
These requirements might only address the micro-economics of the character of the individual whom become involved with these programs, however, the impact it will have on a macro level, is immeasurable.
Future generations would use these projects as measuring sticks to ascertain what our true intentions were. Did we merely implement these programs to give ourselves a warm fuzzy feeling, or did we passionately initiate these strategies as part of our unwavering believes in the dignity of individuals, irrespective of our differences.
CSI/CSR programs are where the rubber hits the road regarding pertinent issues of our history, heritage, and legacy, versus the reality of Africa’s our current status quo of illiteracy and poverty.
CSI/CSR Conferences more often then not, deals with social development issues at a global level, and is a necessity, especially in ensuring that we are aligned as to what we can learn from a host of worldwide best practice models. We must additionally allocate time debating the relevance of these programs, if those with the decision making power is merely drawing a salary.
These views represent my own opinions, and refer to my own experiences during my tenure in socio-economic development initiatives.
Yours in Socio-Economic Development
Wayne Newton ***********************************
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