In recent months, trusted financial service provider, EasyPay Everywhere has made significant strides in supporting sustainable socio-economic development through its Corporate Social Investment (CSI) programme, which is part of its broader Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) plan.
According to Tshidi Russon-Sithebe, Head of Retail Banking Propositions at EasyPay Everywhere, the CSI focus forms an integral part of the company’s broader commitment to support South Africa’s underserved communities, not only by offering accessible banking, loans, and insurance products, but also by investing in the development and upliftment of historically disadvantaged groups.
Working to build resilient communities through targeted efforts
Lusanda Mgudu, Head of ESG at Lesaka says, “In alignment with the overarching sustainable development strategy of our holding company, Lesaka Technologies, EasyPay Everywhere places significant focus on socio-economic development, aiming to build resilient communities, alleviate poverty and reduce unemployment through targeted support”.
Russon-Sithebe explains that through a targeted approach, focused on entrepreneurship support, basic education, digital transformation, community development and disaster relief, EasyPay Everywhere ensures that its interventions not only meet immediate needs, but also contribute to long-term economic sustainability. “We’re dedicated to supporting community-driven projects that have a tangible social impact and help to uplift historically disenfranchised groups while supporting social change,” she says.
One social development area where this focused commitment is evident is the company’s significant investment into educational infrastructure and technology. A prime example of this is its partnership with the Bavuke Foundation, a registered NGO that is mobilising partnerships to connect all sectors of society to create long term social change. Through Bavuke, EasyPay Everywhere has donated 5 000 mobile phones and tablets to high school learners to enable them to access digital upskilling opportunities and offer access to free digital financial education tools.
Enabling brighter futures through youth development, education and digital access
Further advancing its educational initiatives, EasyPay Everywhere made a substantial investment in Cingani High School, a non-fee-paying education institution specialising in mathematics, science and business studies. EasyPay Everywhere’s donation of R481 534, funded the construction of a new classroom to be used as a computer lab, and the purchase of laptops, projectors, desks and chairs.
“Investing in education is one of the most powerful tools for socio-economic change,” Russon-Sithebe emphasises, “so, by giving young learners in our communities access to technology and better school environments, we are laying the groundwork for a more empowered generation of the future.”
Recognising that natural disasters typically have the biggest negative impact on vulnerable people and communities, another key pillar of EasyPay Everywhere’s CSI strategy is the mobilisation of resources to help communities recover and regain economic stability. An example of this was the company’s response to the recent devastating floods in the Western Cape. EasyPay Everywhere took swift action, partnering with five local NGOs to provide over R500 000 worth of groceries, bedding, vouchers and mobile phones to help affected households rebuild and regain their footing.
“In times of crisis, EasyPay Everywhere understands the importance of standing together as a community,” Russon-Sithebe says, “and our disaster relief efforts reflect our overarching commitment to the people we serve and our dedication to ensuring they have the support and resources they need and deserve, in good times and bad.”
Driving entrepreneurship success through local business mentorship and support
Another key pillar of EasyPay Everywhere’s CSI strategy is a commitment to helping build South Africa’s entrepreneurial potential by supporting local businesses. By offering small- and informal businesses access to mentorship, financial management training, and financial management resources, the business is working to empower entrepreneurs to succeed
“We believe that successful entrepreneurs are key to building a stronger, more resilient economy,” Russon-Sithebe notes, “so, our contributions to small businesses as part of our enterprise and supplier development frameworks are aimed at providing them with the tools they need to grow, create jobs, and play a role in poverty alleviation.”
Through its CSI initiatives, EasyPay Everywhere is working to demonstrate its firm commitment to going beyond financial services – creating lasting positive change for the communities it serves. “We are dedicated to investing in underserved communities through education, entrepreneurship and strategic support,” Russon-Sithebe concludes, “we’re working to support the vision that every South African, particularly those in vulnerable situations, has the opportunity to participate and thrive.”