By: Lonwabo Mtyeku | Pictures: Supplied
Graduates participate in community upliftment activities during the inaugural Corporate Social Investment Graduate Volunteering Day hosted by Standard Bank in partnership with Rhiza Holdings, supporting initiatives at Boepakitso Primary School and community development projects in Diepsloot.
Johannesburg — In a collaborative effort to strengthen community engagement and youth development, Standard Bank has partnered with Rhiza Holdings to host the inauguralCorporate Social Investment (CSI) Graduate Volunteering Day, an initiative aimed at equipping young graduates with practical community experience while contributing to social development projects.
The programme forms part of Standard Bank’s broader commitment to responsible corporate citizenship and meaningful investment in the communities it serves across South Africa.
Bridging education and real-world experience
The volunteering initiative will see 145 graduates participate in hands-on community engagement activities across several impact sites, allowing them to gain valuable exposure to social development projects while strengthening teamwork, leadership and problem-solving skills.
According to Pearl Machabe, Head of Corporate Social Investment at Standard Bank, the initiative reflects the bank’s belief that practical experience is a crucial component of preparing young people for the workplace.
“As a responsible corporate citizen that cares deeply about the communities we serve, we recognise the importance of equipping young people with practical experience, social awareness and opportunities to contribute to purposeful work,” Machabe said.
She added that empowering youth through meaningful opportunities helps build a generation that is both skilled and socially conscious.
Community impact across key sites
As part of the programme, graduates will be deployed to three different community projects where they will contribute directly to initiatives designed to uplift communities and promote sustainable development.
One of the key sites is Boepakitso Primary School, where volunteers will participate in school improvement and educational support initiatives aimed at creating a more conducive learning environment for pupils.
Another site is Rhiza Farm, where participants will gain exposure to sustainable agriculture practices while supporting food production projects that benefit local communities.
Graduates will also work at the Rhiza IT Hub, engaging with technology-driven programmes designed to improve digital literacy and create opportunities for youth in underserved areas.
A partnership rooted in social change
Founded in 2011, Rhiza Holdings has established itself as a philanthropic organisation focused on sustainable development and community empowerment, particularly in vulnerable townships across South Africa.
Alef Meulenberg, Founder and Executive Chairman of Rhiza Holdings, said the collaboration with Standard Bank reflects a shared commitment to building stronger communities and empowering future leaders.
“We are proud to partner with an organisation like Standard Bank that shares our vision of empowering vulnerable communities,” Meulenberg said. “Through these experiences we hope to nurture a generation that is not only professionally capable but also socially aware and committed to positive change.”
Investing in future leaders
The Graduate Volunteering Day underscores the growing recognition among corporate institutions that skills development and community engagement must go hand in hand.
By combining professional training with social impact initiatives, the programme aims to produce graduates who are better prepared for the workforce while also developing a deeper understanding of the challenges facing many communities. For both organisations, the initiative represents more than a single event. It is part of a broader effort to build a culture of service, leadership and social responsibility among South Africa’s emerging professionals.
