January 2024

Yet again, we are astounded by the lengths organisations will go to benefit their communities – especially when commercial gain is not the main driver. For a business leader to go out and ask the team to participate in activity that generates little or no revenue for the business, that presents opportunity cost, and that only brings a positive outcome for others, is the true sign of sustainability. In South Africa, there are plenty of examples of businesses that do this, but few that do it with real care and compassion.

For those that can go beyond doing good to gain reputation; just doing good because it’s the right thing to do, there are major benefits to be had.

KZN Oils – leading fuels and lubricants business – is busy building its presence, growing quickly in its home province, but doing so by involving people, creating opportunity, and using the power of the group to deliver on its values. A new LPG cylinder has been developed for use in rural communities to remove reliance on paraffin. This is not a core business for KZN Oils, and not super profitable, but Group CEO Esay Reddy is keen on the idea because it will simply bring positivity for people who need it.

Exxaro, the famed coal miner, is investing heavily in renewable energy, repositioning itself as a sustainable energy partner for the country and export markets. While still in the early stages of the transition, this effort is difficult and costly, but longer-term it will provide major environmental benefits for local communities.

South African Breweries is always uplifting and upskilling, and consistently going above and beyond the call of duty to make life better for its people and its local community. Now, the company is serving up bursaries for entrepreneurs to help them get their business off the ground – without an obvious expectation of reimbursement in the short-term.

If more businesses could work like this, and if more had the confidence in the local market to think beyond their own company, there would be so much more opportunity.

Get in touch and let us know how your business is going above and beyond its own financial goals to help others achieve success. We’re online at LinkedIn.