Social Investment
The real test for Corporate Social Investment in South Africa is to strike a balance
between the need for organisations to build credible profiles as good corporate
citizens and the need to address development, socio-economic and environmental concerns
in an effective and relevant manner.
For Engen the challenge is to identify what is needed to create long-term sustainable
solutions that address the issues that impact both the company and society alike
and to bring these solutions to life. For the past 23 years the concept of nation
building has been the central tenet that informs our social investment initiatives.
Social investment, as it was previously understood, was largely about financial
contribution. Today's environment requires much more than chequebook philanthropy
- it requires solutions. This powerful new focus also demands ownership and co-creation
of solutions by a multitude of involved stakeholders. Engen's philosophy of "Taking
Care Together" certainly implies shared concern, shared responsibility, consultation
and collaboration. This places corporate social investment firmly at the heart of
business and at the centre of our brand strategy, making the implementation relevant
across the corporation.
Our Approach: Sustainability - in search of sustainable solutions
This strategic context ensures that we strive for sustainable
solutions in all our corporate social investment interactions and initiatives. The
CSI department operates as strategy advisors to the entire business, catalysts,
facilitators and co-creators of relevant solutions. We focus on fewer initiatives
that primarily address national priorities - in a meaningful and impactful way -
while adding value to the corporate reputation.
Corporate Social Investment is committed in each of these focus areas and works
towards building long-term sustainable development advantage for the business and
society as a whole.