What is corporate social responsibility?

In a nutshell, Corporate Social Responsibility is a broad term which describes a business’ efforts to uplift or improve society. As a philosophy, Corporate Social Responsibility maintains that businesses are members of the society they operate in (corporate citizens), and are therefore accountable to society for their actions

The goal of Corporate Social Responsibility is to ensure that communities affected by a company’s operations will enjoy socio-economic benefits. It seeks to ensure that individuals, communities, and society at large will benefit.

Corporate Social Responsibility ensures that companies conduct business ethically and responsibly.

This means that you need to consider the impact of your business operations on society, including things like:

• Your company’s carbon footprint and environmental impact
• Your company’s impact on the South African economy
• Human rights and the promotion of positive change (e.g. addressing cultural and social issues)

4 types of corporate responsibilities your business can practice

1. Environmental efforts: One primary focus of Corporate Social Responsibility is the environment. Businesses, regardless of size, have large carbon footprints. Any steps a company can take to reduce its footprint is considered good for both the company and society.
2. Donations: Businesses can practice social responsibility by donating money, products or services to social causes and nonprofits. Larger companies tend to have plentiful resources that can benefit charities and local community programs; however, as a small business, your efforts can make a big difference. If there is a specific charity or program you have in mind, reach out to the organization and ask them about their specific needs and whether a donation of money, time or perhaps your company’s products would best help them.
3. Ethical labor practices: By treating employees fairly and ethically, companies can demonstrate Corporate Social Responsibility.
4. Volunteering: Participating in local causes or volunteering your time (and your staff’s time) in community events says a lot about a company’s sincerity. By doing good deeds without expecting anything in return, companies can express their concern (and support) for specific issues and social causes.

Veritas Rekenmeesters – Accountants CC practices Corporate Social Responsibility.

On Friday 14 August 2020, Veritas Rekenmeesters – Accountants CC initiated a drive to donate to Centurion Hospice and Huis Gideon.

Centurion Hospice

“Centurion Hospice is located in Lyttelton, Centurion and serves the communities of Centurion, Midrand, Laudium, Olievenhoutbosch and surrounding areas.  We provide palliative care including symptom and pain management, grief and bereavement support through a team of professionally qualified nurses and social workers.”

House of Gideon

“The main purpose of House Gidoen Foster Home is to provide security and stability to traumatized children who are victims of abuse and neglect.  We take these children in and care for them in a setting that is as close as possible to a normal family structure. Here they can attend school, do homework, play sport and learn to be a child.  They also receive support in the form of therapy and unconditional love which provides them with the opportunity to experience stability, and to learn to trust others again.”

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Belinda Barthram de Magalhaes and Nandoux Vermeulen on behalf of Veritas Rekenmeesters – Accountants CC went to Centurion Hospice and House of Gedeon to make the donations. We would like to thank everyone who made this possible and for the opportunity to give back to the community.

Veritas Rekenmeesters – Accountants CC has also been donating to Solidariteit as well as Radio Kansel for the past 10 years.