Conference Why this theme now? Civil society's current dependence on international funding is not sustainable. Both public and private foreign assistance ebb and flow with the changing priorities of external donors. As international assistance inevitably declines, NGOs become increasingly reliant on three other primary sources of funding: philanthropic contributions from local corporations, foundations and individuals; earned income, and government contracts and tax privileges. Fortunately, other innovative and more sustainable models are emerging. The emphasis on empowerment and self-reliance enshrined in transformation initiatives such as industry charters and Broad-Based Black Economic Empowerment (BBBEE) have created an environment ripe for financial innovation and new social enterprise relationships. Globally, private capital and experience are being powerfully harnessed for social change. Traditional forms of charity and philanthropy are now often complemented by 'social investing', with increased accountability for results. Significant financial investments by government and private grant-making institutions in civil society organisations are increasingly being used to leverage other corporate and private resources. New thinking around the notion of 'blended value' investing is enabling traditional financial capital to be deployed for social and financial returns, in sectors ranging from micro-finance and agriculture to information and environmental technologies. In addition, there is now the possibility for new answers to the familiar question: 'How do I know my social investments make a difference?' CAF's September conference will discuss and demonstrate innovative social enterprise models that involve people-centred development projects; social investment that taps into and leverages local resources; and new thinking which blends the potential of private capital and business knowledge, with the entrepreneurial actions of poor communities.   Back to Top   Speakers and their Topics Corporate Governance Sustainability and Social Responsibility     Professor Mervyn King     Director: Global Reporting Initiative, Amsterdam     Director: Association of Business Administrators of SA     Chairman: King Committee on Corporate Governance The Need for Visionary Leadership on the Path towards Sustainability     Michael Spicer     CEO: Business Leadership South Africa A Media Perspective on Social Justice and Sustainability issues - How can Corporates Engage?     Ferial Haffajee     Editor-in-Chief: Mail and Guardian A Civil Society Agency - how investing in social entrepreneurialism creates social value     Professor Nick Binedell     Director: Gordon Institute of Business (GIBS) Broad-Based Black Economic Empowerment (BBBEE) and Corporate Social Investment      Mr Vuyo Jack     CEO: Empowerdex Africans Investing in Africa - the Local Sustainability Imperative     Mr Sipho Mseleku     CEO: Association of SADC Chambers of Commerce & Industry Mobilising Capital for Transformative Social Impact     Kojo Parris     CEO: SPESA and Head, Colloquium for Social Entrepreneurs, GIBS Non-Profit Asset Building and Investment for Sustainability - the Ditikeni Model     Dasi Moodley     Ditikeni Board Member CSI Goes the Empowerment Partnership Route - Itec Holdings and Ikamva Labantu     Sipho Puwani     MD: Ikamva Labantu Empowerment Trust Informed Social Investing for Sustainable Impact - the Potential of a Rating System for Civil Society Organisations     Mr Chia-Chao Wu     MD: Empowerdex The Story of Kagiso Trust, from NGO to Investment Agency, from donor funding to self-sufficiency     Kgotso Schoeman     CEO: Kagiso Venture Philanthropy and Investment.The potential for alternative financing of civil society organisations      Russell Prior     Venturesome, CAF UK's innovative and highly successful social finance venture Bottom Line or Bleeding Heart: Giving in the Small and Medium Business Enterprise Sector in South Africa      Susan Wilkinson-Maposa     Graduate School of Business: University of Cape Town   Back to Top   Panel and Workshop Sessions CAF Southern Africa 's clients and other delegates will participate in workshops on the following specific areas: Thinking beyond CSI - Evolving Ideas and Alliances Dr Nomsa Masuku, Standard Bank; Andile Ncontsa, Old Mutual and Onkgopotse JJ Tabane, Altron Ashoka - leading social entrepreneurs discuss their experience of sustainable investment Chair: Vernie Chetty-Henson, Director, Ashoka Africa Employee Volunteering CAF UK volunteering expert Victoria Anderson has been sponsored by FirstRand to run this session What can be achieved through individual investment? The experience of the Southern African Trust Neville Gabriel, CEO, SAT Back to Top Who should attend? Business, government and social sector executives who are concerned about governance and leadership, sustainable investment, and positive social change Corporate affairs, human resources and corporate social investment managers and staff Asset managers, trustees and staff of private foundations and trusts Individual philanthropists and social investors Management and staff of non-profit organisations Social Entrepreneurs Back to Top