Trialogue

Registration is now open for Trialogue’s Business in Society Conference 2025. As South Africa’s leading CSI event, this is your chance to explore the ‘S’ in ESG, engage with industry-leading thought leadership and connect with key stakeholders shaping social impact. Theme: Driving Impact, Inspiring Change – Amplifying the power of corporate social responsibility. Dates: 13–14 May 2025 Masterclasses: 12 May 2025 (Johannesburg) Confirmed speakers: Nozipho Tshabalala, renowned moderator and thought leader, and Busisiwe Mavuso BCompt, FCCA, MBL, MPhil, Chief Executive Officer of Business Leadership South Africa. Look out for more speakers and the full programme in the coming weeks. Venue: The Galleria, M1 Place, 10 Eastern Service Road, Kramerville, Sandton, JHB Don't miss this opportunity to gain fresh insights, engage in critical discussions and network with industry leaders. Secure your spot today (In-person tickets are limited): https://lnkd.in/d6_-53bB

DEVELOPMENT SECTOR NEWS: The Department of Health South Africa has announced it will be meeting with NGOs affected by the US aid freeze. This is an important development which will hopefully result in many of the programmes which were caring for people living with HIV/Aids and Tuberculosis resuming their work. Panellists from South Africa, India and Brazil touched on the aid freeze during a webinar hosted by Trialogue last week. The webinar was focused on the trends and developments driving CSI in 2025. The article will be published later this week. Inyathelo: The South African Institute for Advancement SANGONeT .

Last week, the world marked World NGO Day to celebrate those organisations that drive much development and social change, often in very challenging environments. In South Africa, nonprofit organisations (NPOs) play a vital role in driving social impact. At Trialogue, we recognise their contributions and are committed to equipping them with the knowledge and resources they need to thrive. The Trialogue Knowledge Hub serves as a dynamic free platform where NPOs can access valuable insights, capacity-building resources, and a comprehensive NPO Directory that enhances visibility and connection opportunities. Whether it's guidance on governance, fundraising strategies, or collaboration with corporates, the Knowledge Hub is designed to support NPOs in amplifying their impact. Explore the resources available: 🔗 NPO Directory 🔗 NPO Insights and Resources Let’s continue to strengthen the sector by fostering knowledge-sharing and collaboration.

REMINDER: Join Trialogue and panellists from Inyathelo: The South African Institute for Advancement, Samhita & Comunitas tomorrow afternoon for an important discussion on the trends driving CSI and development in 2025. Follow the link to sign up: https://lnkd.in/gVU2bB8H Trialogue, supporting better business.

Democracy is at a global crossroads, with only 29% of the world's population living in liberal and electoral democracies. How can businesses help? Our article, Strengthening democracy: What role can companies play? explores concrete steps companies can take to strengthen democratic systems without compromising their business interests. We explore possible option to promote civil engagement, from supporting voter education to funding free and independent media. As the 2024 Edelman Trust Institute Barometer shows, businesses are more trusted than governments globally. With this trust comes responsibility to advocate for transparent, inclusive democratic systems. Read our full analysis on the role your company can play in safeguarding democracy: https://lnkd.in/dswNMXUq

HOW NPOs ARE FUNDED: In 2024, South Africa's nonprofit sector saw significant growth, with registered NPOs increasing to 295,051 by September. Trialogue's annual research as part of the 27th edition of the Business in Society Handbook looked at NPO income. 1. Corporate funding: 75% of NPOs surveyed received support from South African companies, contributing an average of 27% to their income. 2. Individual donors: 66% of NPOs benefited from local individual donors, accounting for 14% of their income. 3. Notably, 51% of NPOs reported having no financial reserves in 2024, up from 36% in 2023, highlighting the sector's financial vulnerability. These insights underscore the critical need for sustainable funding strategies and diversified income streams within the NPO sector. Read more about the state of NPO income and funding: https://lnkd.in/dC86eY6Y

CASE STUDY: In the heart of Johannesburg, the Jozi My Jozi initiative is breathing new life into the inner city through collaborative efforts. This nonprofit coalition unites businesses, nonprofits and government entities to restore safety, commerce, and community pride. By focusing on education, infrastructure, and social engagement, Jozi My Jozi exemplifies the transformative power of collective action. The initiative was profiled as a case study in the Trialogue Business in Society Handbook 2024 to discover how this movement is revitalising the City of Gold and fostering sustainable urban renewal. Read more about this inspiring collaboration: https://lnkd.in/dQ-7K-jA

Thank you for sharing this important research with us and growing the knowledge base on impactful collaboration. We look forward to hosting Samhita CEO Priya Naik on our webinar unpacking the trends driving CSI and development in 2025 next week.

Today, on World Day of Social Justice, we reflect on the critical role of corporate social investment (CSI) in addressing systemic inequalities in South Africa. As highlighted by the Social Justice Initiative, strategic funding can drive meaningful change in areas such as access to justice, governance, accountability and independent media. By supporting these initiatives, corporates can contribute to a more equitable society. https://lnkd.in/drPbS37N At Trialogue, we are committed to guiding businesses in their CSI efforts to maximise social impact. Together, we can work towards a just and inclusive future.

Driving impactful conversations in CSI Trialogue Director Cathy Duff recently joined an inspiring panel at Prof JJ Tabane 'Frank Dialogue on Effective CSI', contributing to a powerful discussion on how corporate social investment can drive meaningful change. Cathy joined thought leaders Prof Bonang Mohale, Dr Collen Mashawana, Nthabeleng Motsomi-Moshoeshoe and Abubakr Hattas to explore the importance of strategic CSI and how collaboration between corporates and nonprofits can unlock greater impact. Key takeaways: 1. Prof Mohale, who delivered the opening keynote at Trialogue's Business in Society Conference last year, emphasised the urgent need for entrepreneurship to empower South Africa’s youth to create and grow their own businesses. 2. The panel highlighted the value of partnerships between companies and nonprofits to foster sustainable development. 3. Collaboration is key. This theme was also highlighted in Trialogue's Business in Society Conference and Business in Society Handbook last year. At Trialogue, we’re proud to be part of conversations that shape the future of CSI and sustainability in South Africa. [Photo credit: Dr Collen Mashwana, Cathy Duff and Lerato Ramoba]