Business
SNG: South Africa: $764mln CSI spend signals stability in a tough economy
SNG: South Africa: $764mln CSI spend signals stability in a tough economy
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Staff WriterCorporate social investment (CSI) in South Africa remained stable in 2025, despite slow economic growth and uncertainty in the wake of early-year cuts to global development assistance.Findings from the 28th edition of the Trialogue Business in Society Handbook estimate total CSI expenditure for 2025 at R13.1bn. The increase from R12.7bn in 2024 was in line with inflation.“While real growth remained flat, the continued investment in social impact in 2025, under constrained economic conditions, is encouraging and indicates corporate South Africa’s commitment to social development,” says Trialogue director Cathy Duff.Trialogue Business in Society Handbook 2025 key findings- South Africa's CSI spend increased by 3% from R12.7bn in 2024 to R13.1bn in 2025, with no real growth when adjusted for inflation.- The basic materials sector (mining, water, forestry, chemicals) contributed 36% of total CSI spend, followed by consumer services (27%) and financial services (20%).- One hundred of the largest companies accounted for 79% of annual CSI spend, or R10.3bn.- Education remains the priority sector, accounting for 44% of CSI expenditure and supported by 91% of companies.- Health sector support increased significantly, with 46% of companies now funding health initiatives, up from 36% in 2024.- There was a notable decline in companies supporting disaster preparedness and relief, with 44% of companies supporting the sector. This is down from 70% in 2021... At the height of the Covid-19 pandemic in 2021, average CSI spend on disaster relief was 9%. In 2025, average CSI spend was 3%.- Ninety percent of companies and 77% of nonprofit organisations (NPOs) reported measuring outcomes for all projects.- Just over half of companies (54%) measure the business benefits of their community investments, with improved community relations and improved brand perceptions being the factors most assessed by those companies which measured business benefits.- Over two-thirds (70%) of NPOs received income from companies in 2025. Corporate funds accounted for an average of 29% of NPO income.The state of CSI in South AfricaWhile CSI remained stable in 2025, the R13.1bn estimated spend reflects both budgetary constraints and continued commitment to social impact in challenging operating conditions for companies. CSI expenditure has followed an inconsistent pattern since 2014, pun...