Review

Perhaps simplistically, corporate citizenship can be discussed in anecdotal terms by using our own shared past experiences. We all are able to identify citizens and neighbours who become deeply involved in community life, just as we all know neighbours who are rarely seen, and are emotionally (if not physically) removed from their surroundings.

In electing to undergo a transformation, South African companies must implicitly choose what type of citizen they are going to become: deeply involved in the challenges faced by their “neighbourhood” - our country - or are they going to be content just being in the area, but reticent to do anything really constructive?

As this report will show, Old Mutual (SA) has, for quite some time now, been rolling up its sleeves to get involved in the challenge of re-building South Africa. This is no easy task - understandably so, given the hundreds of years of discrimination we have endured - but intelligently, and in many instances very bravely, the company has faced and addressed its challenges, and then gone about implementing solutions that are sensible, sustainable, and wide-ranging.

As an empowerment partner of Old Mutual (SA), this commitment by the company to be constructive is of paramount importance. It demonstrates that we are working together with a company that has a sensitivity to the past, has a plan for the present and a pragmatic but visionary outlook on the future.

Professor Jakes Gerwel
Chairman of the Environment Committee
Chairman: Brimstone