Corporate Social Investment

Emergency water supply in disaster-stricken areas

In response to the 2024 natural disaster in KwaZulu-Natal, which left many without essential supplies, our dedicated operations team in the region acted swiftly to provide clean water to those in need. Our efforts supported families who had lost everything, reaffirming our commitment to community support and resilience. At Barko, we stand by our promise to be there in times of crisis, ensuring that our communities thrive even in the face of adversity.

Nutrition programme

Our dedicated team seasonally distributes citrus fruit to local schools and communities that need it most and have limited resources. We understand the importance of a balanced diet and its long-term impact on our recipients. The Nutrition Programme serves as one of our flagship projects, with annual sponsorship and delivery of nutritious fruits, such as naartjies, to various institutions. These include schools, facilities for children with special needs, hospitals, clinics, old age homes, traffic departments, police stations, and shelters. In the past year alone, we distributed thousands of boxes to our local communities. We believe in making a tangible difference in the lives of those we serve by supporting nutrition programmes. Barko Loans aims to contribute positively to the health and vitality of our communities.

Enhanced visibility and recognition for rural schools

During the 2023-2024 financial period, we installed school boards for 18 schools and donated refurbished chairs to support the learners' educational environments further. Barko Loans remains committed to supporting local schools in rural areas by installing name boards. These installations enhance visibility and establish a strong identity for each school within their community.

Employee Volunteering Days

Barko employee welfare program includes a unique initiative designed to encourage and support staff members in giving back to the community. As part of our commitment to social responsibility and employee well-being, we offer each staff member two paid days off annually to engage in community service activities of their choice. This program provides employees the opportunity to dedicate time to causes that are personally meaningful to them, whether it's volunteering at local charities, supporting environmental initiatives, helping with community events, or contributing to other social good projects. These days are separate from regular vacation or sick leave, ensuring that our team can fully participate in giving back without worrying about the impact on their personal time off. We believe that by encouraging employees to contribute to the greater good, we not only enhance the well-being of our community but also foster a sense of purpose and fulfilment within our team. It helps to create a culture of giving, empathy, and social responsibility, which we feel strengthens the bond between our employees, the organisation, and the wider community. Through this program, we hope to inspire both individual growth and collective positive change, allowing our employees to feel more connected to the causes they care about and make a tangible impact in their neighbourhoods.

Accredited Training And Development

The training develops leadership and teamwork by equipping managers with skills in motivation, conflict resolution, and strategic thinking. It enhances communication, both verbal and written, for clearer interactions. Managers are trained in problem-solving and decision-making, improving their ability to tackle challenges and make informed choices. The program also improves resource and time management, boosting operational efficiency. It promotes customer-centric service by emphasising the importance of client satisfaction and excellence. Lastly, it builds a culture of accountability, encouraging managers to take responsibility for their own and their team's performance. The training enhances Barko managers' skills, boosting their competence and contributing to the overall success of the organisation. By upskilling managers, it drives performance, improves service delivery, and supports growth. The program also fosters professional development, helping employees take on greater responsibilities and advance their careers. Additionally, well-trained managers improve employee morale, engagement, and retention, creating a positive work culture.

Blood Drive Initiative

The Barko Blood Drive initiative is a voluntary program in partnership with the South African National Blood Service (SANBS), emphasising the company’s commitment to employee health and community well-being. This program fosters a culture of caring, social responsibility, and wellness, allowing employees to contribute to a lifesaving cause by donating blood on-site.

Objectives:

• Save lives in the community
• Increase health awareness among employees
• Promote a culture of social responsibility
• Build team spirit and engagement

Benefits for Barko Employees:

• Enhanced health awareness and screening
• A sense of purpose and personal fulfilment
• Strengthened company loyalty and engagement
• Promotion of physical and mental well-being

Barko Launches Wellness Initiative

Barko Loans recently launched a wellness initiative, HR was excited about the FREE Clicks Wellness Voucher available to all employees. This is a wonderful opportunity to prioritise employee health and well-being. At Barko Loans, we are committed to fostering a healthy and balanced lifestyle for our team, which is why we launched this wellness drive to encourage employees to focus on both their physical and mental health.

The Clicks Wellness Voucher includes essential screening tests, such as:

Blood pressure

Cholesterol

Blood glucose

HIV testing

Maintaining good health enables you to be more productive and efficient, not only in your work but in your personal life as well. This initiative underscores our management’s dedication to supporting employees, alongside HR, in proactively taking care of employee well-being and creating a thriving, balanced work environment.

Empowering Young Learners Through Practical Support

At Barko Loans, we believe that meaningful change begins with meaningful action. As part of our commitment to supporting learners in under-resourced communities, we donated essential items such as school shoes, socks, school bags, and sanitary wear to learners who needed them most.

This CSI initiative is not only about handing over supplies—it is about restoring confidence, creating a sense of belonging, and removing barriers to learning. Witnessing the joy and appreciation from learners, teachers and parents, reaffirms the importance of such initiatives. A warm welcome from our school communities underscores the lasting impact of our presence and support in our communities.

This initiative wasn’t just about giving; it was about showing these children that they matter. Barko made it happen, ensuring that each child received the support they need to thrive. By investing in their well-being today, we aim to help inspire their dreams for tomorrow. At Barko Loans, giving back is woven into the fabric of who we are.