About Our CSI Initiatives
The East London Industrial Development Zone (ELIDZ) is committed to being a responsible, ethical, and community centred corporate citizen. As our organisation continues to grow within the Buffalo City Metropolitan Municipality and the wider Eastern Cape, we recognise that our responsibilities extend beyond investment attraction and industrial development. We are dedicated to ensuring that this growth contributes directly to the social upliftment and long term development of the communities that surround us.
This commitment is expressed through our Corporate Social Investment (CSI) Programme — a structured, transparent and impactful framework that enables the ELIDZ to support deserving organisations, community structures, and development driven projects. CSI, within the ELIDZ context, refers to financial and non financial support provided to initiatives that address social needs in a positive, measurable and sustainable manner.
Our Procurement Based Support Model (No Cash Payments)
The ELIDZ does not provide cash, grants, stipends, or direct financial transfers to beneficiaries. Instead, all approved support is provided in the form of procured goods, services, equipment, or resources that have been requested and approved as part of the project proposal. This ensures full transparency, proper governance, and strict alignment with the ELIDZ CSI Policy and procedures.
Once a project is approved, the ELIDZ conducts the procurement process internally and hands over the approved items directly to the beneficiary organisation. This approach ensures that CSI resources are used solely for their intended developmental purpose and prevents financial misuse, misallocation, or “double dipping” by organisations.
This model reflects our commitment to accountability, sustainable impact, and responsible stewardship of public resources.
Our CSI work is grounded in the belief that strong, empowered communities form the backbone of a thriving local economy. Through intentional partnerships, responsive engagement and developmental collaboration, the ELIDZ strengthens the social fabric of the region by supporting initiatives that promote dignity, opportunity and long term socio economic advancement. We actively pursue broad based partnerships with civil society, government, community organisations, the private sector and ELIDZ tenants to drive holistic and sustainable development outcomes.
Our Geographic Priorities
Our programme prioritises impact in the following geographic areas:
• 40%: Immediate surrounding communities in Ward 46
• 35%: Greater Buffalo City and former Border Region
• 25%: Eastern rural areas of the Eastern Cape
Across all our initiatives, we champion innovation, sustainability, and measurable impact. Through consistent engagement, structured oversight, and collaborative problem solving, the ELIDZ remains committed to driving development that is community centred, strategically aligned, and transformative for the Eastern Cape.
CSI Programme Focus Areas
Eligible proposals must support one or more of the following priority areas:
1. Education
Early Childhood Development, literacy & numeracy, school infrastructure, teacher support, and scarce skills development.
2. Skills Development
Workplace readiness, technical and vocational training, and skills linked to employment opportunities.
3. Enterprise Development
Support for SMMEs through coaching, mentoring, market access and entrepreneurship development.
4. Social & Community Development
Community infrastructure improvements, food security initiatives and social cohesion projects.
5. Sport & Youth Development
Youth empowerment programmes, sports development initiatives and related infrastructure support.
Who Can Apply?
To qualify, applicants must:
• Be a registered NPO (with Section 18A) or CIPC registered Co operative
• Demonstrate sound governance and organisational capacity
• Ensure at least 75% of beneficiaries are black South Africans (B BBEE aligned)
• Disclose all funding sources (to prevent double dipping)
• Agree to site visits, monitoring, evaluation and reporting requirements
Required Documentation
Applicants must submit:
• NPO/Co operative registration certificate
• Section 18A certificate (if applicable)
• Tax Compliance Status PIN
• Latest audited or signed financial statements
• Organisation profile & governance structure
• Detailed project proposal including:
– Objectives and expected outcomes
– Target beneficiaries
– Implementation plan and timeline
– Detailed budget
– Sustainability plan
Evaluation & Approval Process
1. Eligibility Screening
Initial compliance and alignment checks are performed by the ELIDZ CSI Committee.
2. Detailed Assessment
Shortlisted proposals are assessed on:
• Community impact potential
• Alignment with ELIDZ CSI focus areas
• Feasibility and sustainability
• Organisational capacity and governance
3. Verification & Site Visits
Applicant declarations and project needs are validated through documentation checks and on site assessments.
4. Committee Approval
The CSI Committee approves the final list of supported projects.
5. Communication of Outcomes
Applicants are informed of outcomes during Q1 of the financial year.
Long Term Support (Up to 3 Years)
High impact projects that demonstrate strong performance, sustainability and community value may be selected for multi year support. This includes annual reviews, site visits, and impact assessments to ensure continued alignment and measurable progress.
What We Do Not Fund
ELIDZ CSI support will not be provided for:
• Political or religious organisations
• Transport or catering for events
• Cash prizes
• Beauty pageants
• International or national sports trips
Submit Your Proposal
Closing Date: 15 March 2026
Email Submissions To: events@elidz.co.za
Late submissions will not be considered.
Contact Us
For enquiries regarding the CSI Call for Proposals, email: events@elidz.co.za