Successfully implementing Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) or Corporate Social Investment (CSI) is integral to our sustainability agenda, building the type of society societies in which we and our customers can thrive.

As a multinational telecommunications company operating in emerging markets, we have a unique opportunity to make a meaningful contribution to social development in the countries where we operate.

We invest in our community through MTN Foundations located in some of our countries of operation, and through our staff volunteering programme, called 21 Days of Y’ello Care in 19 of our 21 countries of operations..

Establishment of MTN Foundations in each of our operating countries was endorsed by the MTN Group Board as the best vehicle for effectively managing MTN’s positive social impacts. The Group President and CEO’s directive for all operations is to establish foundations that are funded by up to 1% of profit after tax (PAT).

MTN Foundation projects are aimed at establishing sustainable initiatives that promote partnerships with our communities. We channel our investment toward developmental priorities in the countries in which we operate, and in addition to our three areas of focus, we support areas of national priority.

In 2010 we invested R154 665 850 in communities through our Foundations.

We encourage the inherent motivation and natural desires of our employees to give back to their communities through our 21 Days of Y’ello Care staff volunteering programme.

Even though 2010 was a busy year for MTN employees involved in 2010 FIFA World CupTM activation programmes our colleagues were excited at the opportunity to roll up their sleeves, devoting their time and energy to uplifting the communities in which they operate. So keen were our volunteers that some employees cancelled their leave plans or participated in projects in their personal time as well.

Each year we focus on volunteering efforts focused on a specific theme. In 2010, our employees volunteered their efforts in football-themed projects, malaria awareness and prevention projects, and education themed projects. Other programmes of national priority were also considered.

To drive participation, the Group President & CEO Y’ello Care trophy, and his financial contribution to winning operations has been implemented. A good-natured spirit of competition is clearly evident, with operations learning from previous years’ winners, and expanding their efforts and programmes to support communities.