THE non-profit organisation (NPO) sector in South Africa is often a crucial partner to the private sector in ensuring that companies fulfil their corporate social investment (CSI) objectives.
According to Community Chest CEO, Selwyn Willis, NPOs are on the ground and have direct contact with communities and understand their needs. Willis said while corporates have specific CSI goals in line with their mission and values, they often lack capacity to accomplish these objectives.
“This is where NPOs and business can work together to create meaningful change. NPOs are established to alleviate poverty, uplift communities, reduce environmental impact or respond to specific needs at a given time. Similarly corporates want to invest in local communities for the same reason,” explained Willis.
To this end, the Community Chest of the Eastern Cape, one of the oldest NPOs in the metro, is hosting an information session which aims at educating the private sector on the pivotal role NPOs play in the community – and the benefits of aligning with the non-profit sector. The Community Chest was established in 1952 and today the organisation proudly focuses on four key pillars to uplift communities. These are education, health, skills training and community development.
“We undertake due diligence before commencing with a project and, upon completion, measure our impact and monitor the sustainability thereof,” said Willis.
The information session will be held in the form of a breakfast in partnership with Adviceworx at the Boardwalk Hotel in Gqeberha on February 22 at 07:00. Guest speakers at the event will be Gadija Brown from the Gadija Brown Foundation, and Lorenzo Davids, CEO Urban Issues Consulting.
According to the Department of Social Development, there were close to 249 000 registered NPOs in South Africa towards the end of 2021; however more than half of these were not compliant with the NPO Act. Willis said that it is important for corporates to work with credible organisations to ensure that their investment is properly and effectively channelled
- For bookings to the event, contact 041 582 1592 and for more info send an email to Colette Theron on colettep@cchestpe.org.za.
– ISSUED BY COMMUNITY CHEST EASTERN CAPE
