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Whinsley Masara, Business Reporter
BUSINESS organisations have been urged to invest in corporate social responsibility (CSR) projects as a way of empowering communities that support their operations.

Deputy Minister of Industry and Commerce, Raj Modi, said this during the inaugural Bulawayo provincial CSR awards on Friday.

“If we empower our communities and uplift people’s livelihoods, that will have ripple effects both to our businesses and our people. If our businesses grow, our communities benefit leading to economic development,” he said.

The Deputy Minister said fostering CSR was critical towards achieving the vision of creating a middle income economy by 2030.

“These awards will go a long way in challenging and encouraging other companies that are not investing in CSR to also do the same,” said Modi.

He said the new government was ready to work with all stakeholders in overcoming obstacles arising from increasing inequality and a slowdown of productivity.

“I urge you to ignite a serious discussion about how companies of all shapes and sizes can play a major role in driving a more robust, sustainable, prosperous and inclusive society while also meeting your corporate goals of generating value and achieving competitive advantage,” said Modi.

Event executive director, Mr Willard Razawo, said the CSR Network Zimbabwe was driving the cause of empowering communities towards sustainable economic growth.

He said the CSR Network Zimbabwe exists to promote, encourage and recognise responsible business practices through training, research, advisory services and recognition through such awards. Several companies received certificates and valuable tokens of recognition for their philanthropic work which covered 30 community projects. — @winnie_masara