In 2024 our thought leadership explored major themes around what it means to create sustainable social impact in a changing world. Strengthening our approach to social investment involves applying and sharing lessons learnt and using them to develop evidence-based approaches to creating and measuring social impact over time. This year, we have worked to document and share our insights and lessons learnt as part of strengthening the social investment sector and its potential to create meaningful, sustainable impact.

Since inception, Tshikululu has partnered with the mining sector to enhance its positive social impact. We recognise that the complex problems facing mining communities are not easily solved. This year, we partnered with the in a to roll out an Impact Dialogue about community trusts, looking at how the space can move beyond compliance, leveraging strong governance and social impact strategy to maximise the benefit to the communities they serve.

The importance of impact management and measurement (IMM) and monitoring and evaluation (M&E) is being increasingly recognised in the social impact space. A webinar hosted by Tshikululu in July explored the question of what it means for M&E to be “fit-for-purpose”’ in the South African context. Looking at the practical example of the Epoch and Optima Trusts’ Maths Challenge Programme, we delved into the role impact measurement played in determining the success of the programme and enhancing the Trusts’ strategy for the future.

In relation to ESG, Head of Social Impact Dipalesa Mpye was quoted in an article originally published in JSE Magazine, reflecting on how the interconnected nature of E, S and G is amplified in our challenging socio-economic context, and the implications for a holistic approach to ESG in South Africa. In June, Tshikululu hosted a We followed this up with an exploration of what it means to integrate the S in ESG in a meaningful way in the South African context. We also discussed how materiality assessments can be used to engage ESG stakeholders in priority setting.

Fundamentally, Tshikululu exists to maximise the power of social investment to achieve impact, working towards our vision of creating a world where everyone has the opportunity to thrive. To achieve this, we have partnered with a broad range of corporates, foundations, and other social investors to help them invest most effectively to achieve impact. Among many other partnerships, we contributed towards increasing inclusion for students in South and Southern Africa in the creative economy in partnership with an international streaming company. We explored different approaches to social investing in relation to gender-based violence and femicide (GBVF) in a series of pieces about investing for breadth and for depth and the necessity of building capacity at a grassroots level as part of the national response to GBVF, drawing on the lessons learned from managing Anglo American Platinum’s GBVF Programme Extension Project.

At Tshikululu, we remain committed to putting people at the centre of everything we do. As our CEO, Tracey Henry, emphasises, “That is where our responsibility comes in, to really ensure that what we are doing is making a positive difference and gives a voice to communities at a grassroots level, to make sure what is reported and discussed at the boardroom table is real and is making a positive impact to our triple burden of poverty, inequality and unemployment, for future generations.”

Find all of our Thought Leadership articles, available herehttp://tshikululu.org.za/thought-leadership/

Tshikululu is South Africa’s leading social investment fund manager and advisor, working alongside investors and other development partners to achieve sustainable social impact. More information about our services, including impact strategy design, can be found on our website, or you can contact us at in**@************rg.za.