Community-business relationships: community engagement in CSI programmes in South Africa

This paper examines community engagement in corporate social responsibility initiatives that are carried out by business organisations in host communities. The impact of CSR initiatives in communities is significant, particularly in the South African context given the high level of unemployment and informal settlement. Many organisation participants in corporate social responsibility initiatives with intent to make significant contribution to social and economic development of the communities. The benefits of corporate social responsibility initiatives are evident in communities, through employment, provision of essential services and economic opportunities; however, more benefits are concealed in community engagements for corporate social responsibility projects to have meaningful and purposeful impact