Systemic Social Investing (SSI): A pioneering way of thinking

Introducing Systemic Social Investment (SSI)

In late 2013, Tshikululu Social Investments conceptualised the idea of Systemic Social Investment (SSI) and presented it to some of its leading clients. At the time, talking about social investment and systems change in the same sentence was something very new – both to ourselves, our clients and other stakeholders. Up until then, systems change “thinking” was very far from traditional corporate social investment approaches. It represented a fundamental (if not radical) change to how social investors should think about their social investment and its potential to drive large-scale change.

Moving from Programmes to Systems-Level Thinking

SSI requires investors to shift towards deliberately making catalytic investments that will shape or change the actual systems within which their current initiatives work. It offers an opportunity to enact change while moving beyond thinking about individuals and individual organisations, single problems and single solutions. It entails thinking about systems – policy systems, education systems, social service systems, information systems, technology systems.

Implementing SSI in Practice

Tshikululu has since conceptualised, programme managed and implemented a number of SSI initiatives aimed at changing the sectors that our clients operate in.

Driving Sector-Wide Impact Through Strategic Programmes

At a conceptual level, we’ve helped to co-develop (with our clients and other partners) a number of key programmes in the country. Amongst these is a programme to promote the development of black African South African academics to become established researchers and to gain national and international recognition as researchers. We have also played a lead role – as one of four donor partners – in launching a programme to reduce the prevalence of stunting among South Africa’s children (which is estimated at 31% in children under two).

Core Principles: Focus and Partnerships

In all of our SSI activities, we hold true to several fundamental principles, including focus and partnerships. To drive systems’ change, you need to be laser-focused on identifying and pulling the “right” levers – those places within the system where targeted intervention can have outsized impact on a broader scale. In addition, Tshikululu has helped our clients to forge and manage complex, multi-faceted partnerships, particularly with like-minded donors and government. Such partnerships are fundamental given the limited resources – financial, technical and physical – in the development sector.

Hands-On Governance and Dynamic Measurement

When implementing SSI, it’s necessary to be “hands-on” in the work we do. On behalf of our clients, Tshikululu sits on Boards, Excos, steering committees, partnership and investment forums, and other structures. This type of representation is critical to influence and drive strategic intent, as well as monitor and add value to implementation.

Measurement is another key principle underpinning our approach to SSI. In the case of SSI, measurement is done at both systemic (macro) and programmatic (micro) levels. Given that systems change is long-term, it is important to track short- and medium-term milestones while maintaining focus on long-term impact.

A Long-Term Vision for Sustainable Impact

Fundamentally, SSI is not emotionally attached to philanthropic, programmatic work nor is it brand or corporate loyal. It recognises that small programmes are important, but they are less sustainable without systemic change. It acknowledges that more substantial investments over longer periods are required and that change takes time. This approach reflects Tshikululu’s vision of achieving deep, sustainable change and measurable long-term impact.