CSR PROGRAMMES
The SAB Foundation’s Flagship Programmes include:
SOCIAL INNOVATION AWARDS
SAB’s focus on social innovation is underpinned by its belief that business as usual will never solve the challenges that exist in society today. It is necessary to invest in innovation that enables the company to do things more effectively, affordably and at scale.
THOLOANA ENTERPRISE PROGRAMME
The SAB Foundation Tholoana Enterprise Programme is an 18-month programme that supports entrepreneurs to become successful and resilient business owners through extensive entrepreneurial skills development, mentorship and access to markets, finance and practical business tools and templates. Connection to peers around the country builds a powerful network of opportunity for participants long after the programme has ended.
DISABILITY EMPOWERMENT
Unemployment amongst people with disabilities stands at over 70 percent in South Africa. In addition, there are many challenges with disability access.
With this in mind, SAB find, support and scale social innovations which provide solutions for people with disabilities and work with organisations such as Mode, who develop and train entrepreneurs living with disabilities.
RURAL CATALYST PROGRAMME
SAB supports strategic farming models and initiatives in areas where there is high poverty.
#NONEFORTHEROAD
In November 2019, SAB launched its #NoneForTheRoad campaign which was created with the aim of encouraging responsible behaviour and helping to establish safer roads. To help get this project off the ground, SAB partnered with the Department of Transport, the Road Traffic Management Corporation and local policing authorities to launch several AECs across the country to help curb incidents of drinking and driving.
“Law enforcement officials are able to effectively detect alcohol levels at the facilities. SAB hopes to normalise #NoneForTheRoad amongst South Africans so they are consistently aware of their behaviour and how their choices have an impact on them and others,” says Vundla. “SAB also actively encourages consumers to make smart drinking choices such as ‘pacing’ by alternating between alcohol and non-alcohol drinks during social occasions.”
SAB sources almost 100 percent of its raw materials, locally supporting 2,739 suppliers of which approximately 1,345 are smallmedium-micro enterprises that support over 140,000 jobs.
“There are many factors we consider when looking for a partnership but key amongst these is agility and resilience - as we are an FMCG company this is critical,” explains Vundla. “The recent pandemic highlighted the importance of partnering with suppliers that can quickly turn challenges around and are agile and able to transform quicker.”
Looking ahead, Vundla is full of optimism for the future of his company and South Africa as a whole. “I am aiming to conduct a great deal of work around positioning the SAB brand and ensuring that all our brand’s activities and platforms are deeply rooted in our purpose in a manner that delivers with impact and transforms our business and the nation.”