Corporate Responsibility in South Africa: Limited Success, Unfulfilled Promise

Abstract

Corporate social responsibility (CSR) is one of the most important mantras of global business today. Companies nowadays, if we believe them, are a paragon of virtue in global and local communities. International governmental and nongovernmental organizations and civil-society organizations outperform one another in promoting CSR guidelines for companies and promoting conscious capitalism. For critics, however, CSR is a tool used cleverly by corporations to keep from making meaningful concessions to labor, stave off state intervention or regulation, and spin irresponsible actions. This article analyzes CSR practices in South Africa, emphasizing the mining sector and relevant legislation. It argues that CSR performance in South Africa has been nothing short of missed opportunities and unfulfilled promises.