Blue Label Telecoms Integrated Annual Report 2019

70 Blue Label integrated annual report 2019 Socio-economic and community development OUR APPROACH As a major player in the base of the pyramid markets, contributing meaningfully to address inequality of opportunity and financial inclusion within society remains an ongoing area of focus for Blue Label Telecoms. Our aim has been to transcend the purely philanthropic and compliance paradigm by going beyond traditional corporate social responsibility (CSR) and embedding a ‘shared value’ ethos in our transformation and business strategy. This ethos defines how we partner with non-profit organisations to effect social change by aligning our programmes and initiatives to our business strategy and long-term growth and sustainability objectives. Significant changes were made in the last year that demonstrate our commitment to enable the above paradigm shift, and to demonstrate that we take our role as a South African corporate citizen seriously. HIGHLIGHTS OF 2019 Please refer to the human capital section on pages 64 and 65 to access further information. Increase in Group CSR spend from R9.3 million in FY2018 to R10.9 million in FY2019 . Boys and Girls Clubs of South Africa , our flagship CSR initiative, opened a further three clubs in FY2019. Today they serve over 1 800 members between the ages of six and 18 years across their six clubs. Launch of our first Letsatsi Kasi-Village in Nellmapius, Mamelodi – an entrepreneur and community incubation hub. Appointment of a dedicated transformation team to drive the transformation both internally and externally. Implementation of a Group Corporate Social Responsibility Policy . Establishment of Blue Label’s non- profit arm – Trust Blu Foundation Proprietary Limited.