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Standard Bank HIV/Aids programme benefits thousands
Standard Bank's HIV/Aids programmes have touched the lives of an estimated 160 000 Standard Bank employees and their families, says Sim Tshabalala, the bank's chief executive.
Speaking at the Global Business Coalition conference in Rosebank, Johannesburg, yesterday, 11 October 2010, Tshabalala said that Standard Bank has been a key player in encouraging private sector co-operation on HIV/Aids awareness and management in South Africa and other African countries.
"Our health and wellness programmes are not about being socially conscious or being seen to 'do the right thing'. Standard Bank considers these programmes essential for the maintenance, growth and profitability of its business in the long run. Long-term wellness goals translate into better productivity and better performance from bank employees," said Tshabalala.
Active in Africa
Standard Bank is an active member of in-country HIV/Aids coalitions in eight African countries and is also a key sponsor of the Pan African Business Coalition on HIV/Aids.
"As a result of our proven expertise in developing, implementing and managing HIV/Aids projects and our significant network in sub-Saharan Africa, Standard Bank has signed a partnership agreement with The Global Fund to provide pro bono services in selected African countries. Our duty in the partnership is to assist The Global Fund in its hallowed mission to attract and distribute funds from and to projects all over the world in the fight against HIV/Aids, malaria and Tuberculosis.
Our role as partner is to provide financial and project management expertise, as well as practical support services for grant-receiving projects to ensure that funds reach the recipients in a timely manner. The bank will also assist TGF with ongoing administration and reporting requirements," said Tshabalala.
Initiatives
Standard Bank spends 1% of its profit before tax each year on Corporate Social responsibility initiatives. Many of these initiatives dovetail with Standard Bank's health and wellness programmes. Standard Banks Employee Community Involvement programme offers to match the funds raised by its employees for community charities and programmes including organisations dealing with HIV/AIDS, TB and malaria.
