The event was held at Cresta Lodge in Gaborone under the theme, “Transforming business strategies by integrating CSR objectives into the core operation, through innovation, and forging impactful partnerships for sustainable growth.” The CSR Conference and Corporate Awards focused on how companies have redefined their business strategies by embedding CSR initiatives into their core operations.
The event ws also aimed at showcasing sustainable growth models models and to highlight principles and best practices adopted by corporate and CSR sustainability professionals to inovate existing efforts. The event gathered professionals from the government, parastatal and private entities and among others put a focus on fruitfulness and sustainable impact of various CSR initiatives.
In addition, the setting also focused on CSR in fostering democracy and governance by promoting social welfare and economic empowerment for the disadvantaged groups. It further discussed the role of the government, Non-Governmental Organisations (NGO) and private entities in driving CSR, the collaboration between the public and private entities in driving sustainable community development and also CSR as a catalyst to socio-economic developments of communities. CSI Concepts’ Special Projects Manager, Olivia Nthoi said over the years CSR has changed from just about doing good but it is now more about transforming the world through conscious impactful action and to drive sustainable change. Nthoi said it is crucial to embed CSR at the heart of the business strategies to not only to drive economic success but also to create profound positive impact in the society. “Let us work together to create a future where CSR is at the heart of every business strategy, driving sustainable development and making a meaningful difference in our communities.
This is an inaugural event which we wish to host it annually and every time we host it we hope to keep shaping the future of CSR in Botswana and also creating a platform for collaborations and partnerships, and exchanges,” said Nthoi. Meanwhile, Kgalagadi Breweries Limited (KBL)’s Managing Director, Carlos Bernitt, said the occasion symbolized a pivotal step forward for a collective commitment to CSR and sustainable development. Bernitt also said the platform celebrates the achievement of those making a positive change in the society and setting the standards for responsible business strategies in the Botswana.
He highlighted that the success of any business entity is embedded in the success of the community they operate in hence the need for a sustainable CSR initiatives. “At KBL we believe our success is intertwined with the well being of the communities around, we strive when our communities strive.
This core value drive us to engage in activities social good and environmental sustainability because we understand that our responsibilities stand far beyond the confound our business operation and manufacturing our products,” Bernitt said. For her part, the Assistant Minister of Education and Skills Development, Nnaniki Makwinja lauded progress made stakeholders in CSR initiatives over the past years. She said the progress has impacted various sectors such as financial literacy and education, innovation, sports development, community entrepreneurship, small to medium scale enterprise development, health care and environmental conservation among others.
Makwinja stated that the initiatives highlight the importance of CSR initiatives in all business strategies. She said government promotes collaboration and partnerships in a bid to assist the government to carry the load of changing the livelihoods of Batswana across the country. “These integration ensure that CSR is part of a comprehensive decision making process ensuring that every effort regardless of size, transforms the lives of Batswana in communities they operate. This aligns with global objectives that embraces CSR and promotes sustainable business strategies. The government promotes collaboration and partnerships with all stakeholders in order to achieve these priorities speltout in Vision 2036,” said Makwinja.
