Sanlam Foundation: Powering sustainable growth for SMEs and communities

Bongani Bingwa interviews Nozizwe Vundla, Head of the Sanlam Foundation.

Listen below.

Small and medium enterprises (SMEs) have long been hailed as the lifeblood of our nation's economy.

However, recognising that every backbone needs reinforcement, it's imperative that SMEs not only thrive but do so sustainably.

Only then can they fuel South Africa's economic engine by fostering growth, generating employment opportunities, and more.

At the heart of this crucial economic endeavour lies the Sanlam Foundation, empowering SME owners.

Since 2011, the Foundation has injected over R746 million into various sectors including Education, Financial Literacy, Health (with a focus on HIV/AIDS), Water Security, Enterprise and Supplier Development, and Staff Volunteerism.

The Foundation channels its support to communities through two distinct avenues:

• Small Grants Fund: This initiative allows the Foundation to back local community development projects outside its strategic focus areas. These grants offer immediate financial support to address pressing social issues confronting communities.
• Core Funding: Aligned with its strategic priorities, the Sanlam Foundation periodically issues calls for Expressions of Interest (EOI). 

"The economy is not going to grow from large corporates; the economy is going to grow from SMEs and it's so important to make sure that they not only survive, but that they actually thrive."

- Nozizwe Vundla, Head – Sanlam Foundation

Scroll up to the audio player to listen to the interview.