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Michael Tome Business Reporter
DEPUTY Minister of Industry and Commerce Raj Modi has lauded local companies for partaking in Corporate Social Responsibility activities, without Government mandatory act, showing accountability to the well-being of the nation.

Running under the theme “Fostering Corporate Social Responsibility in Zimbabwe to achieve a middle-income economy by 2030” the event saw several corporates walk away with accolades complementing philanthropic works they do in communities they operate in.

Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) is often used synonymously with philanthropy, it deals with how companies manage their economic, social, and environmental impacts.  Well-conceived CSR strategies can result in better working relationships between stakeholders, including management, workers, the community and regulatory authorities.

Addressing the awards contenders on behalf of Minister of Industry and Commerce Mangaliso Ndlovu, Mr Raj Modi said corporates have taken a responsible role through philanthropic works that promotes humanity. He urged those that have not joined this noble cause to consider taking up this initiative.

“I am happy that the business community has not waited for Government to enact a Corporate Social Responsibility Act (CSR) but have taken it upon themselves to be responsible citizens.

“I would like to take this opportunity to encourage companies and individuals and all stakeholders to be active members of this fast growing network, I further urge you to explore opportunities that can accrue to CSR members and to our economy,” said Minister Moji.

Recently the corporate world was instrumental in the eradication of the cholera epidemic which affected high-density suburbs of Glen View and Budiriro in Harare as they chipped in with donations in cash and kind.

CSR network executive director Willard Razawo noted that the awards were a sign of appreciation to the humanitarian endeavours by the corporate world.

Zimbabwe today is a fountain of vital and inventive CSR practices across the business spectrum and the annual CSR Awards is the perfect opportunity to celebrate and pay tribute to sustainable and productive projects.

The CSR accolades were awarded to 50 organisations that emerged best in categories of financial investment, impact of the project, collaboration, quality of project, stakeholder engagement and involvement as well as inclusion (did the project include employees at all levels.)

Leading Zimbabwean companies that include Zimplats, Delta Corporation, Stanbic, Seed Co, Econet Wireless, FBC, Simbisa Holdings, Tongaat Huletts and National Foods among others walked away with awards in various categories.