The Annual Conference will happen in October 2024 on the 15th and 16th. More details in terms of Venue and Theme to follow.

011 832 1743/2

info@bench-marks.org.za

12th September 2024

Who We Are?

Bench Marks Foundation was founded by the Churches in 2001 to monitor all multinational companies in South Africa and the region, with a regional focus on South African companies’ expansion into Africa. It has done work on South African supermarkets in Africa, on whether they are purely extractive or contribute to host countries economic development. It has a big focus on mining and extractive both in South Africa and in Botswana, Zambia and the DRC, as well as Malawi. This focus has also led to focus on the relationship between banks investment policies and mining and other sectors of the economy.

Bench Marks Foundation has worked with a number of international NGO’s on human rights due diligence and of the biggest buyers of platinum and international companies supply chain responsibilities encompassing human rights and the environment.  With a focus on South African Companies expanding into the rest of Africa.

Bench Marks Foundation works with an international coalition of faith-based organizations from around the world that developed the Principles for Global Corporate Responsibility-Bench Marks for Measuring Business Performance, that has been hailed as one of four leading instruments that set benchmarks for social responsibility through the lens of corporate social responsibility covering all sectors of the economy

MISSION

To be on every company’s agenda and to be a household name

VISION

Bench Marks Foundation is committed to providing leadership and advocacy on bench marking of good corporate governance, ethical and socially responsible investment as well as linking people and institutions committed to these ideals

VALUES

Pro poor and on the side of those suffering – an option and solidarity for the poor, speaking truth to power, to the promotion, attainment, and restoration of human dignity. A Values driven organization that is highly ethical, accountable and acts with integrity and has an excellent track record both in its work, governance, and financial integrity.

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Research - Policy Gap Series

We critically examine CSR through the lens of investment and investment impacts. Is it good or bad? Do the costs outweigh the benefits? Companies, governments and civil society, both locally and globally, recognize us as a key role player and opinion maker regarding CSR and sustainable development.

Read More Here

Voice Power and Media Advocacy

Currently communities are severely disadvantaged when it comes to mining companies. Communities often lack information and access to expert advice, and end up giving their rights away.They also lack recourse to justice when they are aggrieved. Women and children are particularly impacted.

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Community Monitoring School

The Bench Marks Foundation has mobilized and trained members from over forty communities in South Africa to monitor corporations and local government. Community Monitors report on their findings using internet, social media, local radio and newsletters.

Read More Here

The Independent Capacity Building Fund (ICF) And The Independent Problem Solving Service

Currently communities are severely disadvantaged when it comes to mining companies. Communities often lack information and access to expert advice, and end up giving their rights away.They also lack recourse to justice when they are aggrieved.

READ MORE

Whats New?

July 2024 Dear comrade, this edition includes a focus on Critical Raw Materials, suggesting that a failure to understand what Read more
June 2024 Dear Comrades, June 16 has been squeezed out of the story by the tremor of law passing and Read more
May 2024 Dear comrade, this edition comes out early to remind you of the elections and the importance to vote Read more

ON Publications & Resources

ON Radio & Podcasts

Click here to Listen

“Impacts of Mining in Limpopo” from The Bench Marks Podcast 02 with Hassen Lorgat in conversation with Mmathapelo, Moses and Wole.

Click here to Listen

Lead researcher at the Bench Marks Foundation David Van Wyk says it is important to look and understand what the socioeconomic situation of miners is.

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“Remembering Marikana” from The Bench Marks Podcast 01 with Hassen Lorgat in conversation with Bishop Jo Seoka. Released: 2021. Genre: podcast.