Anglo named one of leading CSI contributors

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In this report, Anglo American was once again identified as a company perceived to be making the most developmental impact within its focus areas of HIV/AIDS, healthcare, welfare, education and entrepreneurial development.

Norman Mbazima, chairperson of Anglo American's corporate social investment (CSI) arm, the Chairman's Fund, said: "The Chairman's Fund is proud to be recognised as an agent of change and a valuable partner in the development of South African communities. We believe that through sustained intervention, corporate South Africa is able to create an environment in which disadvantaged people are able to assume greater control of their lives. Our views, policies and approaches to social development have been guided through a long history of working in partnership with South Africa and its people."

Role of larger companies

According to the Trialogue CSI Handbook, CSI expenditure remains concentrated among larger companies as they continue to account for the biggest share of CSI expenditure. The top 100 companies in terms of CSI expenditure spent over R5.4bn in 2013, representing just less than 70% of total social investment in South Africa.

This expenditure remained focussed in the education, social and community development, and health sectors, which together accounted for an average of 71% of CSI expenditure. Education received the largest percentage of funding with 89% of respondents supporting the sector and giving an average of 43% of their CSI expenditure to educational causes. Social and community development causes received an average of 15% of CSI expenditure, while health received 11%.

Job creation

Between 2012 and 2013, Anglo American has spent over R750m on health and welfare, education and infrastructure CSI projects within mining communities. This excludes the company's flagship and highly successful enterprise development programme Zimele that has created over 25,000 jobs in South Africa since 2008.

"Anglo American will continue to work together with our partners, communities and government to ensure that through our corporate social investment initiatives we are contributing to the country's development as well as making a difference in the lives of people who so desperately need help," Mbazima said.