SOCIAL JUSTICE BY RAINE ST.CLAIRE
S
ince 2009, February 20th has been designated as the “World Day of Social Justice” by the UN, focusing on observing and highlighting global social injustices, addressing issues such as poverty, exclusion, employment, gender equity, and access to social well-being and justice for everyone.
UPHOLDING SOCIAL JUSTICE: A CALL FOR ETHICAL BUSINESS PRACTICES AND INCLUSIVE PROGRESS While some progress has been made, South Africa still grapples with challenges related to human rights and discrimination. “From the moment of conception, social justice has been perceived as an anchor for peaceful coexistence. However, the exploration of fairness and justice has not always fully embraced the humanity of all, particularly regarding race, gender, and class diversity, and related equity — which is why we continue to grapple with it.” – Prof. Thuli Madonsela, the Law Trust Chair in Social Justice and Law Professor at the University of Stellenbosch.
Social justice and economic inclusion: Where is South Africa? Creating the world you want to live in 34 | Public Sector Leaders | February 2024
In her keynote address at the Business in Society Conference, Prof. Madonsela, South Africa’s former Public Protector, cautioned against contradictory practices among companies. She criticised companies that engage in charitable acts while simultaneously underpaying workers or overcharging customers, urging businesses to view corporate social responsibility beyond scoring black empowerment points. “The generosity of strangers” displayed in CSI, often life changing, should not be linked to scoring black empowerment points, she said “It should be about creating the world you want to live in.”
