Corporate social responsibility is a concept whereby organisations consider the interests of society by taking responsibility for the impact of their activities on customers, suppliers, employees, shareholders, communities and other stakeholders, as well as the environment. This obligation is seen to extend beyond the statutory obligation to comply with legislation and sees organisations voluntarily taking further steps to improve the quality of life for employees and their families as well as for the local community and society at large.
As such, Mthente believes that its CSR projects should be selected according to the nature of the needs of society and in terms of the potential benefit to society. In addition, CSR initiatives should also attempt to complement and extend the service offerings of the company.
Mthente’s approach to CSR is therefore twofold:
Firstly, to respond to critical needs in the community of Cape Town (particularly among vulnerable groups like refugees, women and children).
Secondly, to use its core strengths and skills to uplift and empower individuals (such as coaching for emerging entrepreneurs, job shadowing for youth and facilitation for NGOs).
To see pictures and read more about Mthente’s past and current CSR initiatives, please follow the links below:
Food drive for Ons Plek Projects
Mthente has initiated a relationship with Ons Plek Projects, a residential safe house that is the only intake shelter for girl street children in Cape Town. Ons Plek offers 24-hour accommodation, counselling and education at its Albertus Street shelter, while also aiming to reunify the girls with their families. The Project also provides a second phase of treatment at Siviwe in Woodstock, where girls are able to make the transition to a more structured life and begin building their lives. Founded in 1988, Ons Plek helps an average of 150 new girls each year. Based on a list of needs provided by the directors at Ons Plek, Mthente’s staff members purchased and delivered a week’s worth of groceries to the Shelter on 3 April 2009.
Sponsorship for Beehyv Arts
Beehyv Arts is a community-based design craft house that was founded by Sandile B. Kula in April 2005. Like many emerging entrepreneurs, Sandile has faced his share of challenges in trying to achieve his dream of establishing a thriving design house that offers unique cross sector African designs, while also uplifting the community. One of his biggest challenges has been finding financial backing and business coaching support... which is where Mthente has been able to lend a hand.
Support for Abigail Women's Movement
On 10 December 2008, Mthente provided gifts for the orphans and vulnerable children who are looked after by the Abigail Women’s Movement. Mthente staff members attended the Movement’s annual Christmas party and enjoyed spending time with the children and passing out the gifts. Abigail Women’s Movement has been serving the community of Khayelitsha for almost 10 years, providing food parcels, skills programmes and care for orphans and vulnerable children, as well as old and frail residents.
Facilitation for Africa Unite
In August 2008, Mthente’s managing director facilitated a workshop for Africa Unite at no cost to the NGO. Africa Unite is a community-based, non-governmental organisation that aims to promote human rights, and empower young adults from diverse cultural, social and economic backgrounds. The workshop aimed at helping the organisation develop its fundraising strategy. Mthente then wrote up the minutes from the workshop and developed these into a plan for the NGO.
Refugee Relief
In May 2008, Mthente responded to the outbreak in xenophobic violence by donating time and resources to the refugee relief efforts in Cape Town. Staff members donated money and Mthente matched their donations, raising a total of close to R5,000. As requested by the relief organisers, Mthente staff purchased the most urgently needed items and delivered them to the collection centre in town.
New Projects
April/May 2012
Mthente has recently been commissioned to undertake the following projects, among others:
A Monitoring and Evaluation Framework for the City of Cape Town's Department of Social Development
A Regulatory Impact Assessment for the Department of Trade and Industry
A Value Chain Analysis and Beneficiation Study for Productivity SA
A Customer Satisfaction Survey for the City of Cape Town's HR Department
A Total Cost of Ownership Study for the Centre for e-Innovation
