Corporate Social Investment, CSI, is a key component of our business strategy at FEM; it is part of who we are. We believe that corporates need to play an important role in the community. As such, it is our belief that our engagement with social issues must be meaningful and formed on the foundation of long-term commitment with credible partner organisations. We run our social programmes on a strong foundation of ethical principles, good governance and sound management to improve the lives of our employees, customers, their families and the community at large.

Our CSI focus areas are as follows:

Education
We consider education as an essential tool to creating opportunities for future employment and contributing to building a thriving economy. Our overall objective is to create opportunities for young people to become active participants in society by investing in initiatives from early childhood development through to primary and secondary education. We also have a bursary programme that offers all-inclusive bursaries to talented students who are studying full time towards an undergraduate degree or national diploma to pursue a health sciences and engineering qualification. Students are supported from second year of their studies and this is done in partnership with tertiary institutions in South Africa.

Housing
As part of our housing programme, we assist communities grappling with issues related to infrastructure and housing by building houses for low-income, destitute or homeless families in disadvantaged areas. We also customise houses to accommodate people with disabilities, provide temporary shelter in response to natural disasters and provide secure shelter for people living in informal settlements.

Health
We believe in an inclusive society, as such, we partner with organisations that are involved in outreach programmes to people suffering from serious and disabling diseases. We also partner with organisations and schools that cater for people living with disabilities or related rehabilitation.

Social Services
For social services, we support initiatives that have a broader impact in the community by improving the lives of disadvantaged people. Some of the other initiatives we support are those that cater for orphans and vulnerable children.

Other
Consideration is also given to initiatives outside the four focus areas that are deemed strategic to support. This is done only on exceptional cases and when budget is available. Priority will be given to initiatives that are strategic to FEM and those that enhance our reputation.