Praxima Africa Payroll Systems (Pty) Ltd, an outsource payroll solution provider, has officially adopted the Open Disclosure Foundation, a non-profit organisation that endeavours to aid youth victims and survivors of sexual violence and abuse, as its choice for sponsorship.
Says Peter Ibbotson, CEO of Praxima Africa Payroll Systems: "The empowerment of women with sensitivity to the girl-child is an issue close to Praxima's heart and supporting an organisation that assists women to emerge as 'survivors' rather than 'victims' is core to Praxima's ideal. Women play a prominent role in the world of business as well as being nurturers and caregivers in a family environment. Businesses need to look toward taking ownership of social responsibilities through the support of these organisations as women contribute significantly to society and the corporate domain."
The Open Disclosure Foundation was formed out of the 'disclosure' of kwaito artist, Andile Carelse (nee Gaelesiwe) in 2001, who revealed her painful history of being raped as a child. This admission inspired women that shared similar experiences to come to terms with their past experiences and encouraged them to share and face their ordeals of sexual violence.
Says Carelse: "The formation of the Open Disclosure Foundation has been a resounding success with many women emerging stronger through counselling and support provided by the organisation. Support from companies such as Praxima will allow us to grow from strength to strength and improve on our existing facilities and support."
The organisation is a non-profit organisation and provides psychological counselling and support from its centre in central Johannesburg. Ibbotson was a founding sponsor of the Open Disclosure Foundation when executive chairman at Taiwanese-based IT vendor Acer Africa.
Continues Ibbotson: "Business is taking on a new dimension by focusing not only on profitability but also addressing the needs within our society. Corporate social responsibility is an issue that organisations - small and large - need to consider. We need to acknowledge that government cannot be the panacea to all our social issues. It is therefore the responsibility of all South Africans to assist with the challenges that we as a nation face together."
The fact that the Open Disclosure Foundation is self-sufficient was an important consideration for Praxima. In addition, Carelse has the experience and skills to run a non-profit organisation. This was mostly gained from a trip to the United States, financed by the Bill Clinton Foundation, an organisation that also relies on donations to strengthen the capacity of people in the United States and throughout the world to meet the challenges of global interdependence.
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