In an exciting development for the corporate social responsibility (CSI) community, at the CSI Legacy 2024 held a conference to announce NPO’s and Corporate organisations nominees that have been recognised for outstanding initiatives that have made significant contributions to social impact and community upliftment. Founded by Simphiwe Mtetwa, CSI Legacy aims to highlight and celebrate the impactful work being undertaken across South Africa, bringing together organisations and funders in a powerful network of changemakers.
Held on the 7th of November in Johannesburg, the award nominations this year reflect a diverse range of projects addressing issues from healthcare to education, infrastructure and sustainable development. Mtetwa shared insights into the journey of CSI Legacy, which began as a platform to document and report on social responsibility initiatives. “It all started with the vision of showcasing the incredible, often unreported, work in communities,” he remarked. “Today, it’s become a vital tool that brings organisations together to strategise and find solutions. This year, we received 190 expressions of interest, narrowed down to 78 semi-finalists, from this list the top three finalists were announced in each category during the conference.”
This year, finalists in various award categories are set to compete not just for recognition but for practical support that could significantly advance their missions. Corporations like Standard Bank and Old Mutual have stepped up to sponsor key award categories, each pledging substantial grants to further the impact of the winning projects. According to Mtetwa, the real value for nominees goes beyond the awards themselves: “These events create a platform for nominees to connect with top corporate leaders, align with strategic partners, and ultimately increase their visibility, which is central in securing future funding.”
The CSI Legacy 2024 awards ceremony is more than a celebration; it is a networking hub for leaders across sectors to engage, share strategies and explore partnerships that can drive societal change. As Mtetwa emphasises, “Our goal is to set the stage for collaboration across sectors, bringing diverse players together in one room to inspire real sustainable impact. We want our nominees to walk away with not just accolades, but new allies and support for their future endeavours.”
Finalists have undergone a rigorous selection process to ensure they are “corporate funding ready,” a requirement that highlights CSI Legacy’s commitment to long-term impact. In previous years, many award nominees have leveraged their recognition to unlock new funding streams and establish sustainable models within their operations.
The excitement is building as the finalists and stakeholders look forward to the CSI Legacy awards ceremony in February 2025, set to be a milestone event in South Africa’s corporate social responsibility landscape.
