Corporate Social Investment (CSI) should be about more than compliance and annual reporting – it should create meaningful and lasting change in communities.
This is according to Ms Nontobeko Khuzwayo who graduated with a Master of Business Administration (MBA) from the University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN). Her dissertation, titled: ‘Exploring the Impact of Corporate Social Investment Initiatives: A Case Study of a Corporate Company in the Gaming Industry’, examined the gap between what companies report as impact and what communities actually experience.
Supervised by Professor Bibi Chummun, the study focused on a Durban-based gaming company that funds education-focused programmes through partnerships with non-profit organisations across the greater Durban area.
Using a qualitative case study approach and a Theory of Change framework, Khuzwayo explored the perspectives of corporate CSI personnel, non-profit staff, and programme beneficiaries. Her research revealed that each group understood “impact” differently.
“Corporate CSI personnel focused on measurable outputs such as attendance numbers, workshops delivered and funds disbursed. Beneficiaries, however, spoke about dignity, belonging, confidence, and relational change – outcomes often overlooked in formal reporting,” she explained.
Khuzwayo identified these intangible outcomes as some of the most authentic indicators of meaningful social development. Her study recommends a more participatory approach to CSI measurement, where communities are involved in defining and evaluating impact.
She also advocates for organisations to combine quantitative reporting with narrative and qualitative data to better capture lived experiences and tell more meaningful stories about the value created through CSI initiatives.
A qualified social worker, Khuzwayo said her passion for CSI is rooted in her commitment to sustainable community development and human upliftment.
“My concern has always been that many programmes are designed around corporate reporting requirements rather than genuine community needs. Sustainable development begins with listening to communities before prescribing solutions,” she said.
Following the completion of her MBA, Khuzwayo returned to her consulting practice, where she specialises in social impact consulting and supports organisations in designing and evaluating community-centred CSI programmes.
She believes her research comes at a crucial time, as organisations face increasing pressure to strengthen Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) accountability and sustainability reporting.
Completing her MBA was one of the most significant milestones of her life. She described the journey as one that demanded resilience, sacrifice and perseverance, particularly after the passing of her father during her studies.
“What gives this achievement meaning is not the qualification itself, but what it represents – a commitment to growing my capacity to serve communities and organisations differently,” she reflected.
Khuzwayo credits her values and approach to lessons learned during her undergraduate social work studies at the erstwhile University of Durban-Westville now UKZN, where she was encouraged to “dare to be different” and use evidence-based approaches in practice.
Looking ahead, she hopes her research will continue contributing to important conversations within the CSI and non-profit sectors.
“I believe the most powerful stories of transformation are still waiting to be told – and telling them honestly and inclusively is both a professional responsibility and a social imperative,” she said.
Supervisor Chummun congratulated Khuzwayo and commended her for diligence during her studies.
Words: Hazel Langa
Photograph: Sethu Dlamini