M.Com. (Business Management) / Corporate social investment (CSI) does not have a universal definition, but corporations tend to interpret it according to the extent of their activity in community social programmes of development. It is of particular importance in South Africa given the fact that South Africa is still a developing country that struggles with high unemployment and inequality. This dissertation explores this concept of CSI in research that was conducted in the community of Letswaleng (Embalenhle), in Mpumalanga, in order to establish whether there is a relationship between the mining company that operates in the community and the community within which it operates. Mining corporations continue to assume little responsibility for the health, education or housing of the families of their black employees while operating in monopolistic conditions and making exorbitant profits. A wide variety of these mining opportunities have attracted multinational enterprises and local firms to invest in the region of Mpumalanga. The purpose of the research was to explore the relationship between the community and the mining company in terms of CSI initiatives. It was also to establish if there are any community structures to ensure that the mining company does consult with the community in making sure that they are kept informed concerning the plans of the mining house within the community. The nature of this research was exploratory, qualitative research and, for this reason, structured interviews were conducted and these were face-to-face. Corporate social investment is an issue that the government needs to take seriously by setting up audit committees to monitor the implementation of these ventures. Government structures such as the Department of Trade and Industry need to fund community structures in order for them to be more effective.

M. Tech. Business Administration / Mining is an economic activity that has the potential to develop areas that are impacted by its operations. However, mining operations may also negatively affect the surrounding communities as a consequence of certain undesired practices which either may damage the environment or disturb existing social structures such as tampering with graves. Despite this destabilisation, mining companies may offer either disproportionately low compensation, or, in some cases, engage in unequal distribution of corporate social benefits. If not planned in a sustainable way, mining activities can damage the landscape resulting in diminishing returns to the communities. Thus the research question is, what benefits accrue to the communities in the Sekhukhune District Municipality as a result of profitable mining operations? The objective of this study was to evaluate community programs driven by mining companies as well as obstacles inherent in the development of sustainable Local Economic Development (LED) projects in areas dominated by mining operations. In completing this research a qualitative method was followed. A case study of the Sekhukhune District Municipality in the Limpopo Province was conducted in order to ascertain the role of mining in contributing towards development of sustainable business ventures. Face to face interviews were conducted with all relevant stakeholders in the district in completing the work. The research revealed discrepancies in as far as mining contribution to the area is concerned. The respondents painted different pictures of the matter. Mining companies believe that they are contributing substantially to the communities in terms of sustainable business development and so forth, whereas the opposite is correct. The local municipalities do not have the capacity to deal with issues relating to community development and negotiating with mining companies. It is recommended that joint participation in the development of programs as well as LED projects by all stakeholders in the area be adequately appreciated and enhanced.