Absa Group - Social Responsibility

Social Responsibility

In 2007, Absa spent R60, 9 million in Corporate Social Investment (CSI) projects. The Group’s key focus areas within CSI have been selected to meet the company’s goal of improving the lives of underprivileged South Africans. These areas include education, entrepreneurship, health and disability, and the environment.

Education:

In an effort to promote its business, improve the quality of education and widen access among rural and disadvantaged communities, Absa has embarked on two educational programmes; the Beyers Naudé Schools Development Programme and the Absa/Sowetan Early Childhood Development Awards.

Beyers Naudé Schools Development Programme

In partnership with Kagiso Trust and the Department of Education, Absa developed the Beyers Naudé Schools Development Programme which is committed to improving maths and science grades in disadvantaged schools across South Africa. The programme was first introduced in Thohoyandou, Limpopo. In addition to training educators, the programme also rewards high performance schools by developing their infrastructure in the maths, science and technology area. In 2007, Absa spent R2, 5 million towards the project.

Absa/Sowetan Early Childhood Development Awards

The Absa/Sowetan Early Childhood Development (ECD) Awards provide a platform and support for ECD practitioners working in rural and disadvantaged communities. The awards give recognition to leading ECD practitioners and centres, and at the same time encourage other practitioners to exceed expectations.

Entrepreneurship:

The Group contributes to the development of entrepreneurship in South Africa by offering young entrepreneurs start-up capital, mentorship and skills training. In March 2011, Absa Small Business launched a new initiative called Opening Doors. The initiative does not only endow SMMEs with funding, but also offers help and advice to business owners who want grow and expand their businesses.

Health and Disability:

Absa has joined forces with the Public Benefit Organizations to provide HIV and Aids awareness, home-based care, and assistance to orphans and vulnerable children. The Group also runs a number of special health projects as a joint venture with the Cancer Association of South Africa and the Walter Sisulu Paediatric Cardiac Centre for Africa.

Additionally, Absa has formed a partnership with the Thabo Mbeki Development Trust for disabled people. The aim here is to support the empowerment of persons with disabilities.

Environment:

Through collaborations with organizations such as The Peace Parks Foundation, World Wildlife Fund, the Department of Environmental Affairs and Tourism, and the Department of Water Affairs and Forestry, Absa creates environmental awareness and helps to preserve South Africa’s rich natural heritage.

In 2007, the Group donated R1, 5 million to the Baswa Le Meetse intiative meaning “Youth in Water” and in turn ensured that 75 South African communities have access to clean water. In the next ten years, Absa will be investing R10 million to establish the Great Limpopo Transfronteir Park and other Peace Parks.