An investigation into the Implementation of corporate social responsibility programmes of construction firms with regard to sustainable SMME development: the case for Kimberley

Abstract

Subsequent to the boom in mining, Kimberley remained very dormant in terms of construction and infrastructure activity which led to very little or no training, skills development and ownership of businesses and a steady decline in economic activity. The Government has identified the deficit and is investing approximately R 10 billion over a 10-year period in construction (DHET, 2012). Central to the Governments plan of redressing this deficit, the construction of Sol Plaaje university is the cornerstone of addressing the skills shortage through the Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) programs. The program will result in established more experienced contractors utilising local SMME contractors in the construction program to train and develop the SMME contractors to aid to the sustainable development of the SMME contractor (www.newuniversities.ac.za).Using a qualitative approach, the study explores the challenges associated with the implementation and roll-out of CSR programmes with the integration of SMME’s into the Sol Plaatje university program in Kimberley. Interviews were conducted with key personnel in the Sol Plaatje university project who are stakeholders in the university construction program. Major findings revealed that the study revealed that the program does not aid the necessary implementation and roll out of CSR programs necessary to sufficiently allow for the participation and integration of local SMME contractors. This in turn does not allow for adequate training, transfer of skills and knowledge gaining by the SMME contractors and thus does not develop or grow the local SMME contractors.