Following the completion of PMR Africa's national survey on CSR in South Africa, the Clover group's corporate social investment programme, Clover Mama Afrika has been awarded the Diamond Arrow Award. It won the award in the business sector 'food manufacturers/processors' with a highest rated mean score of 4.10 out of a possible 5.00.

Respondents who participated in the survey nominated and rated companies and institutions across industry sectors on the following attributes: Broad-Based Economic Empowerment (B-BBEE), commitment to communities, commitment to employees, corporate governance, employment equity, environmental care, fight against crime, fighting poverty, job creation and training, service excellence and social upliftment.

"We are delighted to receive this award as we know how big a difference the programme is making in the lives of many people and communities throughout South Africa," said Professor Elain Vlok, manager corporate services at Clover.

"On behalf of the company and our Clover Mama Afrika partners, I would like to pay a special tribute to all of our mamas around the country who are doing so much to improve the lives and prospects of their fellow community members. Without them and their efforts, the programme would not be the success that it is today."

She also thanked all of the partners who contributed to the initiative in 2012, encouraging them to continue supporting the programme in 2013.

According to Vlok, this is an extension of the company's branding campaign that aims to make a difference and improve outcomes throughout its operations and activities, both internally and externally.

"Thanks must also go to our many thousands of customers who, by buying our wide range of products, enable us to make such a meaningful contribution to broader society via Clover Mama Afrika," she added.