Good Business Journey: WOOLWORTHS’ long journey towards more CSR in South Africa

In April 2007, to formalise and consolidate some of their previous sustainability commitments and targets, Woolworths’ launched the Good Business journey (GBJ) – A comprehensive plan to make a difference in four key areas: transformation, social development, environment and climate change. 

The programme is strongly influenced by the sustainability agenda of international retailers, as well as by the Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) guidelines, JSE Socially responsible investment index criteria and other legislative requirements, but within the context of the changing social and environmental needs of South Africa.

Using the Woolworths Sustainability Index as the strategic framework, over 200 different targets for the business were set up with a five-year plan the first one from 2007-2012)  outlining the targets and commitments of the business specifically related to sustainable growth.

With a number of tools to accomplish their goal, Woolworths invited their suppliers, business partners, NGO’s and customers to join them on this journey.

- Employees are directly concerned since the progress is included in their scorecards and the way they are remunerated. 

- Suppliers are audited regularly and have to adapt to the new targets.

- Woolworths encourages customers to use their purchasing power where it can make a difference.

- Stockholders and investors benefit from this transparent communication.

Through these partnerships with NGOs and different stakeholders Woolworths supports the good work being done by these partner organisations, but also gains the benefit of their experience and input into their strategy.

Thanks to all these sustainability initiatives and via their membership of business and retail-specific organisations such as Business Unity South Africa (BUSA), the Retail Association and the National Business Initiative, Woolworths is able to provide input to new policy and legislation thus participating in changing the South African retail market.

Woolworths has also received a number of local and international awards for the programme including twice being named International Responsible Retailer of the Year, the Mail & Guardian Greening the future award, an energy efficiency award...