Development Talk

 Edition 16 shines a spotlight on CSI and CSI works:

  • We explore industry benchmarks in corporate social investment (CSI) spend and how this impacts on national social economic development (SED).
  • We guide you on how best you can increase the sustainability of your CSI programme.
  • We consider the importance of establishing partnerships – a hot topic at the CSI Matters conference.
  • Finally, we share some valuable development lessons from Africa via Dr Pandelani Mathoma, GM of Old Mutual Corporate Affairs guest speaker at the conference.

We hope you enjoy our newsletter and are able to leave with new insights and inspiration. You’re welcome to make contact via email should you have any questions, if you would like to further discuss topics highlighted in our newsletter or require more information on our services!

Read the newsletter by clicking here!

Warm Greetings from our Team!
Creative Consulting & Development Works

Michelle, Sacha and Malia Obama pictured with Nelson MandelaThis week the first lady of the United States of America, Michelle Obama and her daughters landed in South Africa.  It is unclear whether there was a state level impetus for her visit, but the response on the ground in South Africa has been overwhelmingly positive.  According to reports locals have been extremely impressed with Mrs. Obama’s warmth and quick wit. Mrs. Obama has engaged with the public and even took a momentary break from the media chaos to address a group of young women in town for a Young Women’s Leadership conference.  So far they have only been to Gauteng where they visited the Apartheid museum and a nursery school in Zandspruit.  She was also able to wrangle a few moments with Madiba and the family of President Jacob Zuma. The Obamas are also expected to visit various sites of importance in other parts of the country.

The diplomatic relations between South Africa and the United States are inextricably tied to the pursuit of democracy, international cooperation in development, global security and the fight against HIV/AIDS.  Mrs. Obama’s visit and her openness with the people of South Africa have reaffirmed the even more important personal relationship between the two countries. 

Watch this space for updates as this story unfolds.

Photo Source

Over the last week and a half, its safe to say that many of us have been glued to the screen and watching live updates on the internet regarding the protests in Egypt. Now on its 11th day, hundreds and thousands of people in Egypt have stepped out onto the streets to join the masses in a fight for societal and political justice.

One of the most remarkable and awe-striking components about this event has been how people have used technology and social media to mobilize advocates and create an indestructible groundswell of support. It’s been made clear that the people in Egypt are not backing down and will continue to fight until President Mubarak steps down from office.

If you’d like to show your support, join the online Facebook campaign - ‘March of Millions, in Solidarity with Egyptian Protesters.’ All the group asks is for an advocate to leave words of wisdom and show their support as the Egyptians continue their uphill battle for fairness and equality. Though we may not be able to join our Egyptian brothers & sisters out on the streets, these protests have proven the power and impact online media can have in showing support.

Though its been an unfolding of events that has led to rioting and violence, overall the protests have been led more through vocalized stamina and determination. The people of Egypt are not cheaply resorting to violence to prove a point, but through strength in numbers and diversification to show that they are determined for a better country. Though it hasn’t been an easy battle, its inspiring to see the people of Egypt unifying and supporting one another as they fight for long-lasting freedom and peace.

For some inspiration, watch this YouTube video:

Youth take part in a diversity workshop facilitated by Development Works. The World Bank is also running a writing competition to promote awareness of culture among youth.

Youth take part in a diversity workshop facilitated by Development Works. The World Bank is also running a writing competition to promote awareness of culture among youth.

Do you have a talent for writing, but you think you are too young to make an impact? Are you proud of your culture and do you want to share it with the world? People might differ in terms of the languages they speak, the way they dress and eat, but we all have dreams that we pursue. If you are less than 25 years of age, this is your time to shine. (more…)

Vulindlela Cultural Group perform at the Heritage Day celebrations at Iziko National Museum of South Africa. Photo: Nondumiso Ntsengentsu

Vulindlela Cultural Group perform at the Heritage Day celebrations at Iziko National Museum of South Africa. Photo: Nondumiso Ntsengentsu

This Heritage Day, young and old people from different cultural backgrounds, different ethnic groups and religions, who speak different languages, showed South Africa is united at the Iziko National Museum of South Africa in Cape Town.

On Friday 24 September, heritage in all its forms was celebrated at the Museum. People from different backgrounds shared their heritage customs and culture through music and dance. Indigenous food was offered so that people could experience the taste of diversity.

Drumming sessions with Bevil Spence showed the spirit of imbumba yamanyama (rainbow nation). Every beat of the drum presented African rhythm.

The audience was entertained by other cultural groups that include, Ikapa Dance from Phillipi and Cross Roads, Vulindlela Cultural Group from Gugulethu and La Rosa Spanish Dance. Vulindlela performed a poem that touched many hearts.

La Rosa Spanish Dance share their Spanish heritage with the audience at the Iziko National Museum of South Africa. Photo: Nondumiso Ntsengentsu

La Rosa Spanish Dance share their Spanish heritage with the audience at the Iziko National Museum of South Africa. Photo: Nondumiso Ntsengentsu

Dancers from Freeflight Dance Company also performed in response to the exhibition of South African artworks made from 1910 to 2010, currently on display at the National Gallery, entitled 1910-2010 From Pierneef To Gugulective.

Museum offered free Planetarium shows, to accommodate both children and adults. The one was on indigenous astronomy, the other on dinosaurs, and a show entitled Tick Tock the Mouse & the Clock  was also shown on the hour.

Madiba: The Life and the Times of Nelson Mandela was screened at the TH Barry Lecture Theatre.  A tribute was paid to musical legends such as, Brenda Fassie, Robbie Jansen, Miriam Makeba by Music Laboratory.

The event emphasised that we must embrace what we have, be proud of our roots and show humanity.

A diverse group of people came to share their common heritage as South Africans. Photo: Nondumiso Ntsengentsu

A diverse group of people came to share their common heritage as South Africans. Photo: Nondumiso Ntsengentsu

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