Explore the unique approach to Corporate Social Investment (CSI) in Episode 13 of the "Do More Podcast." Join Warren Farrer and Caesar Kenny as they delve into the transformative strategies employed by RCL Foods to drive sustainable community impact. Caesar, with his extensive experience in corporate affairs and operations, provides valuable insights into how intentional CSI spending can create lasting benefits.

In this episode, Warren and Caesar discuss the crucial role of aligning corporate purpose with community needs. They highlight the importance of intentionality in CSI efforts, ensuring that investments are strategically directed to areas where they can make the most significant difference. Caesar shares his personal journey and the emotional connection he developed with the Do More Foundation, emphasizing the profound impact of seeing their work firsthand.

Listeners will gain a deeper understanding of why positioning CSI within corporate affairs can enhance its effectiveness. The discussion covers the integration of sustainability and transformation goals, illustrating how a cohesive strategy can amplify positive outcomes. Caesar explains how RCL Foods' purpose of "We Grow What Matters" resonates both at a corporate and personal level, fostering a culture of meaningful contribution.

Through their engaging conversation, Warren and Caesar offer practical advice for other corporates looking to maximize their CSI efforts. They stress the importance of being intentional, understanding community needs, and forming strategic partnerships. The episode also underscores the value of long-term commitments, showing how early childhood development initiatives can shape future leaders and create a brighter future for all

Explore the transformative power of collaborative partnerships in Episode 12 of the "Do More Podcast." Join Iris Naidoo and Kabelo Mosate-Dambuza as they delve into the complexities and successes of working together to create lasting impact in communities. Kabelo, a specialist in the development field, shares insights from his extensive experience in driving development work in deep, rural areas.

In this episode, Iris and Kabelo discuss the importance of finding partners that align with your values and vision. They address common challenges in collaborative efforts, such as aligning objectives with donor criteria and the need for sustainability. Kabelo emphasizes the significance of having a shared vision and open communication to achieve collective impact.

Listeners will gain valuable insights into the criteria both funders and organizations consider when forming partnerships. The discussion also highlights the importance of long-term commitments in developmental work, illustrating how strategic partnerships, like the one with the Tutuwa Foundation by Standard Bank, can lead to sustainable, systemic change.

The episode underscores the necessity of co-creating solutions with communities, ensuring that initiatives are representative and effective. Kabelo explains how involving local stakeholders leads to better ownership and success of programs.

Through their candid conversation, Iris and Kabelo inspire organizations to embrace the challenges of collaborative partnerships, emphasizing trust and shared goals. They remind us that development work is a long-term commitment, much like nurturing a family, where mutual support and communication pave the way for meaningful, lasting change.

Explore the profound effects of a family-first culture in the workplace with Jessica Ronaasen and Cara Goschen in Episode 11 of the "Do More Podcast." This episode offers an in-depth look at how the Do More Foundation has embraced family-first principles, particularly in support of working parents. Jessica and Cara, both leaders and mothers, share their personal experiences and insights on integrating family life with career aspirations.

The conversation reveals how the foundation's supportive policies have helped them navigate the complexities of motherhood and leadership. They discuss the critical role of flexible workplace practices, which not only support breastfeeding mothers but also allow parents to balance professional responsibilities with family needs effectively.

Through candid discussions, Jessica and Cara highlight the importance of creating an environment where employees do not have to choose between being parents and professionals. They reflect on how such a nurturing environment can lead to greater employee satisfaction and productivity, ultimately benefiting the organization's goals.

This episode is a call to action for all organizations to consider how family-oriented policies can be integrated into their operations to support and empower employees, thereby fostering a more inclusive and supportive workplace culture.

Join Warren Farrer and special guest Tshepo Mantje from Real Reform for ECD as they explore the vital role of men in early childhood development (ECD) on this episode of the "Do More Podcast." Tshepo shares his personal journey into ECD, reflecting on his early years and the profound impact of his grandmother's influence.

The conversation begins with a playful anecdote from Warren, setting a light-hearted tone before delving into the more serious topic of male leadership in the non-profit sector. Tshepo recounts his experiences and challenges as a man in ECD, highlighting the cultural misconceptions about masculinity and nurturing roles.

Listeners will gain insights into how men can break stereotypes and barriers in nurturing roles, with Tshepo emphasizing the importance of self-compassion and nurturing oneself as a pathway to nurturing others. He shares stories of his role models and the influence of peers and mentors who demonstrated softer, nurturing qualities.

The episode also covers the unique challenges and opportunities men face in ECD leadership roles, with Tshepo discussing how societal expectations can be shifted through understanding and practice. He provides practical advice for women to support men in nurturing roles, encouraging them to create environments that foster play and connection.

Warren and Tshepo discuss the power of play as an access point for men to engage with children, using examples from community projects like the Bubbonisa Show Them campaign. The conversation underscores the transformative impact of play in early childhood development and how men can leverage their natural inclinations towards play to support ECD initiatives.

Tshepo's closing remarks offer encouragement to men considering entering the ECD sector, emphasizing the importance of understanding the holistic nature of early childhood development and respecting the foundational work of those who have come before. His personal anecdotes and reflections provide a compelling narrative that inspires listeners to engage in ECD advocacy and support.

Tune in to this insightful episode to learn more about the critical role of men in early childhood development and how their involvement can drive meaningful change in communities. Join us for the next enlightening episode as we continue to explore avenues for doing more in our communities.

Join Kabelo and special guest Tshepo Mantje from Real Reform for ECD as they delve into the world of advocacy in the community on this episode of the "Do More Podcast." Tshepo shares insights into their movement advocating for holistic, well-funded, quality, and inclusive early childhood development services in South Africa.

Kabelo kicks off the conversation with a thought-provoking question about historical figures, setting the stage for a deep dive into advocacy strategies. Tshepo shares the journey of Real Reform, from mobilizing 1600 submissions to Parliament to fostering community collaborations with organizations like the Do More Foundation.

The conversation unfolds with stories of success in communities like Pongola, Nkomazi, Worcester, and Rustenburg, showcasing the tangible impact of grassroots advocacy. Tshepo emphasizes the importance of capacity-building within communities and the power of collaboration in effecting change.

Listeners gain valuable insights into navigating challenges, such as diverse community agendas, and the art of translating complex advocacy concepts into actionable steps for grassroots practitioners. Tshepo's admiration for historical figures like Mangaliso Robert Sobukwe adds a reflective touch, highlighting the resilience needed in advocacy work.

Tune in to learn about the lessons learned in community advocacy, the importance of patience, and the transformative power of collaboration in driving meaningful change at the grassroots level. This episode inspires listeners to engage in advocacy efforts and join the movement for positive societal impact.

Join us for the next enlightening episode as we continue to explore avenues for doing more in our communities.

"Turning Waste into Play: The Power of Collaborative Partnerships"

In this engaging episode of "Do More Podcast," hosts Iris and Marietjie from CHEP delve into the fascinating world of turning waste into purposeful projects. They kick off with a playful check-in question about inventing something to make life happier, setting the tone for a lively discussion.

Marietjie introduces the partnership between CHEP and Do More, highlighting their innovative project, "Do More Play," which transforms wood waste into toys for early childhood development centers, crafted by differently-abled individuals. The conversation dives into the lessons learned from such strategic partnerships, emphasizing the immense value of collaboration in driving impactful change.

They explore how such initiatives inspire and engage employees internally, tying the company's values to real-world impact and sustainability through circular economy principles.

Looking to the future, Marietjie envisions exponential growth for these projects, showcasing their proven success and potential for broader implementation. She challenges other businesses with excess inventory to find value in their waste, echoing the transformative journey they've experienced.

The episode concludes with heartfelt gratitude for the partnership and a humorous exchange about inventing transportation devices, highlighting the genuine camaraderie and shared vision driving their collaborative efforts. Overall, it's a celebration of partnerships that drive positive change, one toy car at a time.

In this episode of the Do More podcast, Dr. Jessica Ronassen (Dr. JR) hosts Jabu Mthembu-Dlamini (JM) as they delve into the intricacies of community engagement, focusing particularly on working with traditional authorities and government bodies. Dr. JR kicks off the discussion with a playful question about traditional outfits, setting the tone for an engaging conversation.

Jabu explains the crucial role of traditional authorities as key stakeholders in community development, emphasizing the need for their approval and involvement in any initiatives within their communities. They discuss the Do More Foundation's approach to deep dive work, emphasizing partnerships and the formation of steering committees to ensure long-lasting impact.

The conversation explores the benefits of community engagement, highlighting how it fosters sustainability and ownership among community members. Jabu shares insights into the challenges faced in community development work, including the complexity of stakeholder alignment and the need for commitment and patience.

A significant portion of the episode focuses on the success stories and lessons learned from working with government entities. Jabu emphasizes the importance of approaching government partnerships with the right attitude and mindset, focusing on collaboration rather than criticism.

Dr. JR and Jabu conclude the episode by emphasizing the inclusivity of community engagement and the power of meaningful partnerships in driving positive change. They share anecdotes and insights into local government successes in prioritizing early childhood development, showcasing the impact of empowered communities and effective advocacy efforts.

The episode wraps up with a playful reveal of Jabu's perspective on traditional outfits, symbolizing the vibrancy and joy inherent in community engagement and development work.

In this episode Dr Jessica Ronaasen engages with Tshepo Mantjé, the Right to ECD Coordinator from the Equality Collective, to discuss advocacy efforts in the realm of early childhood development (ECD). Tshepo outlines the mission of the Real Reform for ECD movement, which aims to ensure comprehensive, well-funded, inclusive, and high-quality ECD services in South Africa. The focus of their conversation centres on the recent national advocacy campaign concerning the right to nutrition for children in ECD centres.

Tshepo elucidates the challenges faced by ECD practitioners in providing adequate nutrition due to limited resources, despite government subsidies. The campaign, driven by evidence-based research, seeks to address this issue by advocating for increased support from the state and exploring creative solutions within communities, such as community vegetable gardens and partnerships with grocery stores.

The discussion also touches upon the shift in custodianship of ECD centres to the Department of Basic Education, signalling an opportunity for national-level advocacy. Tshepo emphasizes the importance of collaboration and community involvement in advocacy efforts, inviting listeners to join the cause through various campaigns and initiatives outlined on the Real Reform for ECD website.

Throughout the episode, Jess and Tshepo inject a sense of playfulness, incorporating light-hearted check-ins and even pondering signature dance moves. Despite the serious subject matter, the conversation maintains an engaging and accessible tone, encouraging listeners to take action and make a difference in the lives of children in South Africa's ECD sector.