KFC, South Africa’s biggest quick service restaurant brand, recently published a report explaining KFC’s success in Africa, outlining the many ways it involves both staff and customers in reaching out to the communities in which it operates.

We live in a society that considers skilled senior citizens irrelevant in the workplace and yet our current workforce doesn’t have the skills or experience to get the job done. Do we see a potential match here?

When times are tough companies cut budgets, especially in their marketing and CSI spend. So it came as quite a surprise to learn that Transnet will be doubling its CSI budget to a massive R175 million. So where will this money go? Not on a gravy train we hope.

 To mark Be Positive Do Something Positive Day on the 1st of March, Kaelo-Stories of Hope will feature the incredible stories of ordinary South Africans who are making a difference by tackling some of South Africa’s pressing social issues with positivity and determination.  Kaelo –Stories of Hope is broadcast on SABC1 on Sunday at12:30.

For nearly 12 years one of two independent women’s funds in South Africa has worked with women in low income communities to find local solutions to build local communities, and leadership amongst women.

When you hear the word “craft” what do you think of? Hawkers on the side of the road peddling beaded keyrings? Cute toys made of veldt and bowls made of chewing gum wrappers? While these are currently the iconic images associated with SA craft in SA, one local company is trying to craft art and entrepreneurship into these stereotypical images.

With the latest economic statistics reminding us that over 24% of our population is unemployed, it’s good to hear that some companies, like Anglo, are trying to create jobs and not cut them, even in tough times. 25 000 jobs in 7 years to be exact.

Carbon neutral restaurants – a creative media ploy or a smart way to go about your business without hurting the environment or your client base?

When we hear the word “empowerment” it’s usually followed by the phrase “previously disadvantaged”. What about people who are currently disadvantaged? Those people, who by virtue of their physical disabilities, have fewer opportunities to become economically contributing citizens of our country. Who is looking after them?

With so many diseases and disasters plaguing our continent, we often forget about the individuals and the lives they affect. Like 17-year-old Radhiyyah, who was diagnosed with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukaemia and is currently receiving treatment at Groote Schuur Hospital. What does she want most in the world? 

For most of us, RAG means a bunch of first year students in crazy clothes trying to hock their magazine, at any cost.  But did you know that the purpose of RAG is inspire students to be responsible, productive and giving members of the public who take part in community projects and lend a helping hand? Media 24 Rachel’s Angels Trust did, which is why they sponsored the Lydia Ladies Res and Vesta Men’s ward for the 2010 RAG. 

Making the transition from high school to university can be a daunting leap for some. Even if students make good grades, many aren’t equipped with the life skills needed to help them balance the heavy workload with an active social life. For this they need mentorship, which is exactly what the Rachel’s Angels mentorship programme gives them, but also so much more.

It’s not often you come across big drug companies like GlaxoSmithKline opening its labs and data to outside scientists, especially not in the cure of tropical diseases that mostly affect young children in Africa. Have you ever?

The world took a big step closer to a more sustainable communications future with the launch of Green Touch, a global consortium organised by Bell Labs which aims to create the technology needed to make communications networks 1 000 times more energy-efficient. That’s great news for an energy strapped SA, even if it is light years away from reaching our mass market.

Kwa-Zulu Natal (KZN) Edgars' employees from South Africa's leading clothing,footwear, home wear and accessories retailer, Edcon, have brought Christmas early to various vulnerable communities and Non-Profit Organisations (NPO's) in Natal, thanks to the various fundraising and community engagement initiatives that the regional team has spearheaded in celebration of the spirit of giving that characterises Christmas.

Leading clothing, footwear and textiles retailing group in southern Africa, Edcon, hosted an Imbizo in Bethlehem last week as part of a long-term partnership with the Department of Social Development in the
Free State Province, designed to address poverty and inequality in the area through a more proactive engagement with community stakeholders.

Being a good employer today is about more than offering big wages and attractive benefits packages. Research shows that employees increasingly value working at companies where they are given opportunities to grow and where ethics and corporate culture match their own.

Raymond Ackerman, founder and patron of the Raymond Ackerman Academy of Entrepreneurial Development, addressed the latest group of 34 students and handed out graduation certificates at the UCT Graduate School of Business on Monday 7 December 2009.

December 2009, Johannesburg - South Africa, Samsung Real Dreams, a development programme for the youth, has had a marked effect on Natasha Michaels. Natasha, one of the learners who took part in the programme this year, has distinguished herself by being a case study for demonstrating the success of the skills development programme.