In a resounding affirmation of its commitment to be a caring company, Vodacom has surged into second place of the "Company that has done the most for community upliftment" category in the annual Top Brands survey.
Last year, the company was in fifth place in this category in the definitive Markinor/Sunday Times survey.
Vodacom`s commitment to corporate social investment (CSI) is expressed in several ways, including:
* The Vodacom Foundation, which funds sustainable projects that benefit communities.
* Community Phone Shops that provide 36 000 phones in underserviced areas throughout South Africa.
* ISO 14001 environmental management certification.
* Yebo Heroes, a volunteer programme in which Vodacom staff offer to assist communities and charities.
Fathima Beckmann, Group Executive for Corporate Communications, says the findings of the Top Brands survey are a measure of Vodacom`s commitment to be a responsible and caring company. "We are passionate about ensuring that wherever we conduct business, we leave a legacy of prosperity, sustainability and upliftment among communities."
Vodacom`s showing in the Top Brands survey comes fast on the heels of the findings of another research company, Plus 94, in which Vodacom had the highest recall of giving back to the community.
The survey involved the top 50 advertising companies in South Africa, based on spend, as well as another 12 companies that were featured in the CSI Handbook. The latter are not major advertisers, but have declared large contributions towards CSI.
Undertaken by South African research company Plus 94, the survey involved a national stratified probability sample of 2 000 respondents. All interviews were conducted in respondents` homes in their home language.
Asked which companies give back to the community, Vodacom achieved the highest level of recall.
Since its establishment in 1999, the Foundation has contributed over R215 million towards community upliftment programmes, focusing on the two priority areas of education and health. Other portfolio areas are safety and security, arts and culture, the environment and sports development.
Building capacity in communities through sustainable public-private partnerships, thereby contributing to a better life for all, is a priority for the Vodacom Foundation. It does so in partnership with government and community organisations, ensuring there is full consultation with all stakeholders.
Education is a major portfolio of the Vodacom Foundation. Successful projects include a school and clinic at Bizana in the Eastern Cape, in which the company has invested more than R10 million over a period of several years. Two further schools are currently under construction in the North West Province, in partnership with the Department of Education.
Vodacom`s Open Bursary Scheme has provided bursaries to 725 students in the fields of electrical engineering, IT and accounting. The bursaries, given for study at local universities and technikons, cover tuition fees, books, meals, transport and accommodation.
A major project in the field of health is that of Cell-Life, a management system for the care of people living with HIV/AIDS. Vodacom Foundation has invested over R5 million in this groundbreaking initiative that shows how cellular technology can be used effectively in the fight against the disease.
In the area of safety and security, Vodacom and the Gauteng Department of Community Safety recently marked the opening of the residential phase of Ikaya Lethemba, a one-stop centre for the care of women and children impacted by violence. Meaning "Home of Hope", Ikaya Lethemba provides holistic and integrated services for survivors of violence against women and children from its premises in Smit Street, Braamfontein.
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