South Africa’s private sector is stepping up to help tackle the country’s toughest social and economic challenges. At the 2025 Serious Social Investing Conference, hosted by Tshikululu Social Investments at the Gordon Institute of Business Science and headlined by the FirstRand Foundation in partnership with Mercedes-Benz South Africa, more than 200 leaders from business, government, philanthropy and civil society gathered to share ideas and commitments.
Sasha Stevenson, Executive Director of human rights organisation Section27, reminded delegates that South Africa already has a powerful blueprint for change in its Constitution. “If we want to build a society rooted in dignity, equality and justice, we need to start by ensuring that more people truly know and understand their rights,” she said. She urged funders to move “from short-term crisis response to realising rights, and building resilience, equity and inclusive long-term growth.”
The event showcased inspiring case studies of collaboration, from Jozy My Jozy, a community project addressing urban challenges, to joint initiatives by the National Prosecuting Authority and the Vodacom Foundation tackling gender-based violence. Partnerships to fight hunger and malnutrition were also highlighted as examples of how combining resources and expertise can deliver lasting impact.
With corporate South Africa investing a record R12.7 billion in CSI initiatives in 2024, the sector’s growing role in rebuilding the nation was clear. “If we are serious about South Africa’s future, we must be serious about its youth,” said Abey Kgotle, Executive Director of Human Resources and Corporate Affairs at Mercedes-Benz South Africa. “Corporate South Africa has both the responsibility and the resources to co-create pathways into the economy.”
Closing the conference, Marina Madale, Executive: Sustainability and Shared Value at MTN Group, emphasised the opportunity in the country’s current challenges. “This is not only a moment of crisis. It is also a moment of profound opportunity,” she said, calling for “coalitions of courage” to restore trust and build an inclusive, resilient future.
The conference affirmed that strategic, collaborative social investment is a powerful tool to unlock potential, drive innovation and create a South Africa that works for all.
