Corporate Social Investments (CSI) - Capacity Development Programmes is a grant from the Industrial Development Corporation (IDC) South Africa that funds skills development, entrepreneurship, and community capacity-building initiatives targeting youth, women, and marginalized South African communities.

The program supports accredited training, sustainable community projects, financial literacy programs for SMMEs, and capacity-building for nonprofits and community-based organizations. Eligible applicants include registered nonprofit organizations, nonprofit companies with PBO status, and public institutions operating for more than 12 months with acceptable governance structures.

Projects must target rural, semi-urban, and township areas and align with Sustainable Development Goals. Applications are open from April 1 to August 31 each year, with a 2026 deadline of August 31.

The IDC's Corporate Social Investments (CSI) | IDC IDC Empowers the Disabled Through Equity, Inclusion, and Community Support Langa Bicycle Hub is Empowered through Bicycle Empowerment Network Global Leading Light Initiative – Recyclebot Builders Project CSI Applications open from 01 April to 31 August each year in identifying initiatives to be supported, the following principles shall be followed: Developmental – holistic long-term investment in projects Alignment with the vision and strategy of the Corporation Alignment with country's developmental priorities Alignment with relevant Sustainable Developmental Goals (SDG's) Alignment with socio-economic development element of the B-BBEE Benefit the most marginalised members of society, with a focus on youth, women and people with disabilities Internal and external collaboration to maximise impact and leverage resources Sustainability of initiatives in terms of development, reach and impact; and Monitoring and evaluation ENTREPRENEURSHIP DEVELOPMENT The following institutions/organisations will be eligible for grant funding: Registered non-profit organisations in terms of Non-profit organisations Act; Registered non-profit companies in terms of the Non-profit Companies Act; Organisations with PBO status – registered with the SARS in terms of section 30(1) of the Income Tax, No 58 of 1962; Public institutions under the custodian of the South African government; Organisations that have acceptable governance and management structures and systems in place; Organisations that have a beneficiary profile that meets the requirements of the SED element of the B-BBEE; Organisations that comply with relevant provisions of the FICA, no 38 of 2001 Organisations in operation for more than 12 months The following Projects/Programmes will be eligible for grant funding: Skills Development Programmes targeting majority youth and women with the objective of creating job opportunities for the trainees Accredited or formal training Programmes certified/acknowledged by the relevant authorities/industry bodies.

(i.e. SETA, SAQA, etc.) Sustainable and innovative community projects targeting majority youth and women with the objective of income generation; job creation addressing current and future skills needs.

Project/Programme with a track record of previous implementation Financial Literacy Programmes for Small, Medium and Micro Enterprises (SMMEs) Capacity development Programmes targeting Non-Profit Organisations (NPOs) and Community-Based Organisations (CBOs) Project/Programme targeting rural, semi-urban and townships areas as priority areas Project/Programme aligned with Sustainable Development Goals (SGDs) (ORGANISATION LEVEL/TYPE) The following organisations are excluded from CSI funding: Political parties and organisations with partisan political affiliations; Trade unions and religious organisations – unless the entity support a programme / initiative that holds the objective of improving the lives of marginalised communities and / or individuals.

The programme / initiatives must also not discriminate against individuals / communities based on affiliation; Industry associations except where IDC forms a partnership for community projects; Profit making organisation and companies (except for companies offering consumer education and skills development programmes to marginalised groups; and non-cash donations where start up SME may qualify to receive assets being disposed such as computers, furniture etc); Service businesses (e.g. internet cafe, car wash, etc.) Industry associations except where IDC forms a partnership for community projects; Any activity, project or organisation whose objectives infringe the bill of rights or the Constitution or legislation of the Republic of South Africa.

The following activities /initiatives are excluded from CSI funding: Activities that benefit individuals; Operational costs (e.g. salaries, municipal bills, etc.) Sponsorships: Attendance to conferences (both international and local); sponsorship to events (sports, exhibitions, fundraising events, etc); Bursaries or student debt (requests should be directed to Bursaries department) Construction projects and purchase of land & buildings (except for educational purposes particularly for TVET sector); Sport development projects; Projects outside the Republic of South Africa boarders; Book writing and publishing; After-School Care projects; Feeding scheme projects (exceptions are given for humanitarian relief only); REQUIRED COMPULSORY DOCUMENTS TO BE ADDED TO THE APPLICATION.

Kindly note that no application will be considered without all the required documents.

PRIVATE COMPANIES (PTY-LTD)/ OTHER (applicable to Consumer Education/Skills Development Initiatives only) Governance Structure / Organogram Certified copy of Registration Certificate Certified copy of B-BBEE Verified Certificate ( income > 10 million ) BEE Affidavit ( income < 10 million ) Certified copy of Section 18A Certificate / (10)(1)(f) / PBO Certificate Founding Documents or the organisation / Constitution Certified copy of Latest Audited Financial Statements / 6 months bank statement Proof of FICA Compliant bank account Letter from bank listing all signatories Certified copy of Rental/lease agreement or ownership of property Certified copy of Trust Deed (if applicable) Certified copy of Letter of Authority for Trust (if applicable) Signed entity Board Resolution appointing a representative Recently Certified ID Copies of Board and Top Management ( less than 3 months old ) Governance Structure / Organogram Certified copy of Registration Certificate Certified copy of B-BBEE Verified Certificate ( income>10 million ) B-BBEE Affidavit ( income < 10 million ) Certified copy of Tax Compliance Status and Tax Pin Certified copy of Memorandum of Articles and Association Certified copy of Latest Audited Financial Statements / 6 months bank statement Proof of FICA Compliant bank account Letter from bank listing all signatories Certified copy of Rental/lease agreement or ownership of property Signed entity Board Resolution appointing a representative Certified ID Copies of Board and Top Management ( less than 3 months old ) “THE BEST PLACE TO FIND YOURSELF IS TO LOSE YOURSELF IN THE SERVICE OF OTHERS” Please contact the CSI Department for more information.

Independent Non-Executive Director Qualification: BA, LLB and Master of Laws from University of the Witwatersrand and Admitted Attorney Nationality: South African Skills and Expertise: Labour Market Policy & Employment Equity, Public-Private Partnerships & Strategic Advisory, Governance & Board Leadership, Socio-Economic Development & Transformation, Legal Expertise in Labour and Human Rights Law, Stakeholder Engagement & Social Compact Formation, Policy Development & Implementation and International Labour Organisation Collaboration.

Ms Tanya Cohen is a highly experienced public-private impact advisor and independent non-executive director with a strong commitment to solving complex socio-economic challenges that drive sustainable development. She operates at the intersection of business and government, enabling transformative outcomes that promote economic growth, employment, and inclusive policy reform.

Her leadership is marked by clarity, enthusiasm, and the ability to mobilise execution across diverse stakeholder groups, including government, business, and labour. Ms Cohen has represented business interests at local, continental, and global levels, including at the International Labour Organisation.

Her board experience spans tripartite government boards, commissions, and non-profit organisations, where she contributes to social, transformation, human resource, and governance subcommittees. As a Commissioner of the National Planning Commission, she continues to champion developmental impact and positive social change in South Africa.

As an independent non-executive director, she brings deep expertise in stakeholder engagement, legal compliance, and strategic advisory, with a strong focus on transformation and sustainable development.

Independent Non-Executive Director Qualification: PhD in Energy Studies, Postgraduate qualifications in Law, Economic Policy, and Energy Economics, Admitted Advocate of the High Court Nationality: South African Skills and Expertise: Industrial Procurement & Development, Policy Formulation & Economic Development, Energy Economics & Infrastructure, Governance & Leadership.

Dr. Tebogo Makube is a seasoned policy and industrial development expert currently serving as a Board Member of the Industrial Development Corporation (IDC) and Chief Director for Industrial Procurement and Development at the Department of Trade, Industry and Competition (the dtic).

He has extensive experience in fiscal policy, infrastructure planning, and energy economics, having held senior roles at the Financial and Fiscal Commission, National Treasury, and the National Energy Regulator of South Africa (NERSA). Dr. Makube also serves on the boards of Proudly South African and Trade & Industrial Policy Strategies (TIPS), where he is Chairperson.

He holds a PhD in Energy Studies and postgraduate qualifications in Law, Economic Policy, and Energy Economics, and is an admitted Advocate of the High Court of South Africa. His expertise spans industrial procurement, regulatory frameworks, and economic policy development.

Dr Keitumetse Tebogo Mothibeli Independent Non-Executive Director Qualification: BSc; BSc (Hons); MSc (Medical Bioscience) UWC, PhD (PhD (Human Physiology – Cancer Research) UP Nationality: South African Skills and Expertise: Medical Biosciences, Scientific Research & Field Applications, Business Leadership & Strategy, Investment Management, Entrepreneurship & Innovation, Green Technology & Sustainability, Mentorship & Youth Development and Transformational Leadership.

Dr Keitumetse Tebogo Mothibeli is a dynamic scientist, entrepreneur, and investment strategist with a strong academic foundation in medical bioscience and a PhD focused on maternal health and cellular development. Her career spans roles in scientific research, field applications, and corporate leadership, including positions at Whitehead Scientific and Adcock Ingram.

She has trained internationally in advanced imaging and karyotyping technologies and served as R&D Director for innovative companies like Zucchi Innovations and Mofaya. As the founder of Maidi Holdings, she broke ground as the first black female to acquire diving and hull cleaning licenses in key South African ports.

Currently, she is the CEO of Crystal Partners, a 100% black female-owned investment firm driving strategic partnerships across Africa in sectors such as agriculture, energy, health, and mining. Dr. Mothibeli is known for her principled leadership, commitment to mentorship, and passion for sustainable development and social impact.

Independent Non-Executive Director Qualification: Master of Business Administration (MBA), Postgraduate Diploma in Business Management, Higher Certificate in Shipping and Transport Management and additional postgraduate training in Management Development and Executive Development Programmes Nationality: South African Skills and Expertise: Public Sector Leadership, Governance & Policy Development, Security & Intelligence Operations, International Diplomacy & Development, Public-Private Partnerships & Infrastructure, Strategic Operations & Institutional Reform and Transport & Logistics Management.

Ms Ayanda Dlodlo is a seasoned South African public servant and executive with extensive experience in governance, security, and international development. She has held several ministerial positions in the South African government, including Minister of Public Service and Administration, Minister of State Security, Minister of Communications, and Minister of Home Affairs.

Her leadership extended to the African National Congress (ANC), where she served on the National Executive Committee. In 2022, she transitioned to the global stage as an Executive Director at the World Bank Group, representing Angola, Nigeria, and South Africa. Academically, she holds an MBA, a Postgraduate Diploma in Business Management, and a Higher Certificate in Shipping and Transport Management.

Her career reflects deep expertise in public sector reform, policy development, intelligence operations, and international diplomacy. Independent Non-Executive Director Qualification: B.

Com in Finance – Stellenbosch University and Executive MBA Nationality: South African Skills and Expertise: Strategic Leadership & Business Development, Mining Operations & Commodities Trading, Investment Strategy & Private Equity, Corporate Governance & Board Leadership, International Business & Cross-Border Negotiation, Ethics & Organisational Integrity, Entrepreneurship & Innovation, Logistics & Industrial Services.

Mr Reon Barnard is a South African business executive and independent non-executive director with a strong background in finance, mining, and strategic leadership. He holds a B.

Com in Finance from Stellenbosch University and an Executive MBA from the Tsinghua-INSEAD program, complemented by advanced certifications in ethics, negotiation, and board governance from institutions such as INSEAD, GIBS, and the Institute of Directors South Africa. With over two decades of experience, Mr Barnard has led and advised companies across mining, commodities trading, logistics, and industrial services.

His expertise spans corporate governance, private equity, international business strategy, and ethical leadership, making him a valuable contributor to boardrooms and executive teams across sectors. Chairperson | Independent Non-Executive Director Qualification: Bachelor of Commerce (BCom) from University of Transkei, Master of Business Administration (MBA) and Honorary Doctorates.

Nationality: South African Skills and Expertise: Broad-Based Economic Empowerment, Corporate Governance & Board Leadership, Strategic Investment & Financial Services, Social Entrepreneurship & Inclusive Economic Models, Public Sector Advisory & Policy Development, Transformation & Women Empowerment, Risk Management & Ethics Oversight and Leadership in Crisis Response (e.g., Solidarity Fund).

Ms Gloria Tomatoe Serobe is a pioneering South African business leader and independent non-executive director, widely recognized for her contributions to economic empowerment and corporate governance. She holds a BCom from the University of Transkei and an MBA from Rutgers University in the United States, along with honorary doctorate from leading South African university.

Ms Serobe is the founding CEO of WIPHOLD (Women Investment Portfolio Holdings), a trailblazing investment firm focused on empowering women through ownership and participation in the economy. She has served on the boards of major corporations including Sasol, Old Mutual, and the Solidarity Fund, where she played a key role in crisis response during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Her expertise spans strategic investment, transformation, ethics, and inclusive development, making her a respected voice in both the private and public sectors.