Dialogues in Social Investing 2025: Unlocking the power of social investment for the future of South Africa

South Africa is at a defining moment. Today, it remains the most unequal country in the world, with gaps that continue to widen. Youth unemployment is among the highest globally, with one in two young people aged 15–34 unable to find work.[1] Poverty is weakening social cohesion and intensifying the impacts of climate change, placing further strain on communities and the economy.

Against this backdrop, investors face both a moral imperative and a strategic opportunity: to direct capital in ways that not only deliver returns, but also drive systemic change and build resilience for the future.[2]

For nearly three decades, Tshikululu Social Investments has worked alongside clients and partners across sectors to unlock the full potential of social investment – turning resources into lasting impact. Reflection and learning are an essential part of this journey. We are, therefore, pleased to be partnering with Creative Space Media to produce Dialogues in Social Investing 2025. This publication seeks to drive conversations around key elements of the social investment landscape in order to shape the future of the sector.

Dialogues in Social Investing 2025 explores what it means to shift our understanding of social investment from mere funding to something that can shape the future of our country. The articles in this collection examine topics including systemic impact, the ongoing need to strengthen the “S” in ESG in our context, collaborative models of social impact, and how we can use impact management and measurement (IMM) most effectively on our unique context to make data-driven decisions that generate impact.

Collaboration is at the heart of every article in this collection, because none of us can address South Africa’s challenges alone. We hope this publication sparks conversations and inspires bold social investors to join us in co-creating solutions that match the scale of our country’s ambition.