By Delisa Thwala
It can Be!
Standard Bank Eswatini has donated E1.3 million to six organisations as part of the bank’s CSI program.
This event took place on Tuesday at the Royal Villas Hotel. The Bank was proud to support the communities they serve.! Standard Bank donated E1,312,500 to the UNDP Graduate Trainee Programme, Esicojeni Foundation, Junior Achievement, End Malaria Fund, USAID Dreams Project, and ENACTUS.
The bank was intentional about contributing towards the societal and economic growth of Eswatini to build a brighter, more sustainable future for all.
“Our CSI strategy incorporates strategic projects and community investments. We continue to invest in programs, working with partners in government and society to support priority areas such as Education,
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Health, Arts and Culture, Community Development, Women Empowerment, Entrepreneurship, Climate Change, and Financial Inclusion,” said Standard Bank CE, Mvuselelo Fakudze who was represented by Head of Business and Commercial Banking Mlamuli Hlatshwayo.
Hlatshwayo further said the donation seeks to help these programs integrate themselves and pump back into the economy, all the while helping the youth.
“We extend our gratitude to Standard Bank Eswatini for partnering with us in tackling youth unemployment. Together, we have placed 200 graduates from the Eswatini Youth Empowerment Programme in meaningful employment,” said Henrik Franklin UNDP Resident Representative.
The UNDP Head of People and Culture, Bongiwe Hlophe, said the role played by the UNDP Graduate program was commendable and helped young people reach their dreams.
“We recognize the remarkable role that the UNDP Graduate Trainees Programme and the USAID Dreams Project play in empowering young people and in being the catalyst for change, and to help them fulfill their dreams,” she said
Meanwhile, Thandie Nxumalo, Chairperson of End Malaria Fund, said: “Malaria elimination in Eswatini is within reach. We are proud to work with partners like Standard Bank, whose continued support brings us closer to this vital goal,”
In 2023 the bank, Standard Bank Eswatini, vowed to continue supporting the youth in the country because of the important role they play.
The bank donated E156 500 to Junior Achievement (JA) Eswatini and E90 000 to ENACTUS Eswatini, two non-profit organizations that promote entrepreneurship education and training among students and young people.
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The Chief Executive of Standard Bank Eswatini, Mvuselelo Fakudze, was represented by Mlamuli Hlatshwayo, the Head of Business and Commercial Banking, stating that the bank was proud to partner with the two organizations in empowering young people with entrepreneurial skills and knowledge.
He said that the bank believes in fostering a supportive ecosystem that empowers youth to create innovative and transformative enterprises that can solve social and environmental challenges and contribute to economic growth and development.
“Our work doesn’t end here, as a Bank, we understand the importance of inculcating entrepreneurial spirit that will empower young people to see opportunities amid challenges.
That is why we are adapting our banking model to be more inclusive and accommodating young entrepreneurs, implementing digitization and making financial management coaching available to entrepreneurs through our Enterprise Banking unit,” he said.
Worth mentioning is that the Bank’s Corporate social investment (CSI) initiatives are aimed at achieving and sustaining positive social development in the communities they operate in.
Through various community interventions, their effective community reinvestment will further reinforce their values and achieve their business objectives.
“Standard Bank Eswatini’s Corporate Social Investment expenditure is funded by an annual allocation of not less than one percent of the previous year’s after-tax income from its profits.
We take a keen interest in developing underprivileged communities within our footprint in line with our brand philosophy,” said Head of Business and Commercial Banking Mlamuli Hlatshwayo.
He further said, “Eswatini is their Home; we drive her growth. Our CSI policy encourages employee participation in community development initiatives through the Employee Community Involvement Program,”
Their CSI Focus pillars are Education, Entrepreneurship Development, Health and wellness, Sports, and Arts and culture.
For reference, the bank once contributed E100 000.00 towards the Junior Achievement international competition as part of their contribution towards the development of entrepreneurship and innovation amongst the youth.
“Standard Bank thrives to forge public and private partnerships with local institutions that aspire to develop innovative expertise to grow the Small and Medium Enterprises to develop Eswatini’s economy. Eswatini is our Home, we drive Her growth,” said Hlatshwayo.
