During 2005 an increased emphasis was placed on the corporate social investment (CSI) initiatives which have mainly been focused in the following broad categories: • Environment • Community, welfare and health • Education and training • Business development In assessing the various appeals received, the policy taken was to favour those aligned within the industries and communities that the group is involved in and where it has a physical presence. The group spent approximately R1,1 million during 2005 on external initiatives. The group has commenced a review of CSI programmes aimed at maximising the social and environmental impacts of contributions. Environment Grindrod sponsors WWF South Africa (World Wide Fund for Nature) and the KZN Conservation Trust through its association as a member. The company is very sensitive to the marine environment in which it operates and various new opportunities for involvement in marine conservation programmes are being explored. The group has recently entered into an agreement with Computershare in terms of which a portion of the shareholder registration fee for electronic communication with shareholders will be directed to Food and Trees for Africa. Education/Training The full spectrum of internal programmes related to education, training and development within the group is referred to in the skills development sub-section of the report. Financial support was provided to a number of external educational institutions and funds, including: • Walter Sisulu Scholarship Fund • New Forest High School (maritime studies) • Project Build (construction of school facilities) • Bel Porta Foundation (school for mentally challenged) • Simonstown High School (maritime studies) Community, Welfare and Health Grindrod is proudly associated with the African Rainbow expedition led by the modern-day adventurer Kingsley Holgate. Its mission was to distribute mosquito nets as a precaution against malaria on the Moçambique coast, as far as the Somali border. The task was successfully accomplished by the expedition team with the financial support of Grindrod. Group companies again participated in the Habitat for Humanity housing project during the past year. Finance, as well as the hands-on involvement of employees, contributed to the building of low cost houses in Durban. The group is committed to numerous HIV/Aids initiatives and also contributes to several health-related institutions. The company has a long-term association with the International Sailors’ Society (Southern Africa), which provides spiritual and practical support to both local and international seafarers. Grindrod continues to support local charities and community welfare organisations as part of its social responsibility programme. The majority of operating divisions and joint venture companies within the group have their own programmes in this regard. The National Sea Rescue Institute (NSRI) is a very appropriate operation in the context of Grindrod’s shipping activities and receives continued support. Grindrod also allocated resources towards the search for the yacht, Moquini and its crew, which went missing off Madagascar during the year. Business Development With regard to national business associations, Grindrod remains a member of the South African Chamber of Commerce (SACOB) and is associated with the National Business Initiative (NBI). The latter organisation uses resources to fund a diverse range of sustainable development programmes aimed at employment creation, education and skills development. Corporate Social Investment