ARTICLESCSR Article 26 February 2007
Fantus Technologies and Corporate Social Responsibility
Fantus Technologies specialises in the formulation of Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) programs as well as the implementation and sustainability of these programs by partnering with your organization in an attempt to create a CSR program that will put you in the forefront of sustainable development and community development.
CSR is closely linked with the principles of sustainable development which argue that enterprises should be obliged to make decisions based not only on financial/economic factors (e.g. Profits, Return on Investment, dividend payments, etc.) but also on both the immediate and the long-term social, environmental and other consequences of their activities.
South African organisations need to draw their focus towards a broader set of issues, including poverty reduction and social development. Today’s heightened interest in the role of businesses in society has been promoted by increased sensitivity to and awareness of environmental and ethical issues. Issues like environmental damage, improper treatment of workers and faulty production that inconveniences or endangers customers are highlighted in the media. These trends have contributed to the pressure on companies to operate in an economically, socially and environmentally sustainable way.
CSR goes beyond charity and requires that a responsible company take into full account its impact on all stakeholders and on the environment when making decisions. This requires the company to balance the needs of all stakeholders with its need to make a profit and reward shareholders adequately.
A widely quoted definition by the World Business Council for Sustainable Development states that "Corporate social responsibility is the continuing commitment by business to behave ethically and contribute to economic development while improving the quality of life of the workforce and their families as well as of the local community and society at large."
Fantus Technologies works with organizations on an interpersonal base to communicate ideas in order to set up a CSR program that meets your company’s individual needs, thereby creating a customised initiative program for your organization. The programs are formulated to uplift the spirit of “Ubuntu”.
Fantus Technologies focuses its program formulation on three main areas:
1. Community based programs
To be socially responsible, we recognise the need for organizations to be a leading corporate citizen by offering to their staff volunteering opportunities to raise awareness of the issues (e.g. poverty, HIV/Aids) facing their local communities as well as providing them with learning and development activities.
We help increase stakeholder understanding of your organisations involvement in the community by:
• showing inclusiveness in the way you work;
• showing leadership in this area of your work;
• showing successful community impact;
• creating platforms for dialogue – communication; and
• Introducing skills and training programs to communities
2. Environmental care/support program management
Fantus Technologies partners with organizations to develop environmental programs which are committed to good environmental practice as part of your overall approach to corporate responsibility. Most organizations’ operations are mostly based in their offices and, comparatively speaking, they do not have a large impact on the environment. However, they do have a responsibility to minimise their impacts where practical.
3. School/educational development programs
Fantus Technologies works with organizations to create a sponsorship program aimed at providing funds, skills, training and knowledge to schools and educational facilities surrounding your community. Organisations can communicate efficiently, as well as effectively, to the public through their CSR initiatives, displaying their interest in sustainable development within South Africa.”
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