The Role of Corporate Citizenship in Business Success for South African People
A critical aspect of a successful business is having a corporate citizenship approach. This means making a commitment to sustainable development, taking into account environmental, social and economic factors that contribute to a positive impact for the people and places in which the business operates. This is not a simple task however, it requires a proactive approach, one that takes into account the needs of all stakeholders – the public, customers, suppliers, employees, and the government and community of the area.
In South Africa, the concept of corporate citizenship has been gaining traction, as corporate responsibility and sustainability are increasingly seen as important factors in ensuring long-term business success. South African businesses are responding to this by making meaningful investments in improving their local communities, in order to drive positive social change, reduce costs and develop relationships with customers.
For example, many companies are initiating Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) programmes, in order to support those in need and build sustainable communities. The popular Shoprite Group, for instance, partners with the Advancement of Women in Africa (AWA) which seeks to empower women in business and in their communities.
The company has also established the “Shoprite Operation Hunger” initiative, which provides food for hundreds of thousands of people across South Africa. As a result, the company has forged strong relationships with charities, encouraging more financial contributions from its customers towards worthy causes.
Furthermore, more and more South African businesses have turned to ‘green’ energy solutions - promoting the use of renewable energy sources and investing in ‘green’ technology. This is notably the case with the popular “Greenlab” facilities developed by MTN in Nelspruit, Cape Town and elsewhere.
The “Greenlab” facilities are committed to promoting green energy, such as solar power, geothermal power and natural gas. By doing so, these businesses reduce their overall electricity bills, while minimising their carbon footprint.
Overall, corporate citizenship is quickly becoming an important part of doing business in South Africa. By engaging in charitable work, protecting the environment, and forming relationships with their customers, communities and suppliers, businesses have much to gain. By concentrating on developing their own corporate citizenship programmes, companies can discover the benefits of becoming more conscious of the world in which they operate.
As an on-demand truck and driver hire service, Qiktruck understands the importance of corporate citizenship and the positive effects it has on business success. We strive to provide our customers with safe, reliable transportation while at the same time contributing to the communities around us. One way we do this is by partnering with local NGOs and charities, with the aim of improving the lives of those living in South Africa. We also provide financial assistance to individuals and organisations that contribute to social and environmental causes. In this way, we are able to provide our customers with first-class services, while having a positive impact on our local community.
At Qiktruck, we are committed to making a positive difference to our community through corporate citizenship. By forging relationships with local communities, businesses, and NGOs, we are able to ensure the success of our business, while at the same time, making a positive contribution to the economy.