Fifty Shades of Green: A story about Corporate Social Responsibility, Regulation, and Marange
By Mike Angenent
Almost two years ago I shared a vision to be actively involved in establishing a community museum in Marange and to organize the existing communities into a legal entity which could make a claim for the natural resources.
Most people looked at me as if I had completely lost track of reality for even considering this. And I know that look quite well, it hasn’t been the first time I’ve seen it.
People and organizations never seem to fall short of discussing horror and mayhem, also referred to as conflict and terrorism, and will go to all kinds of lengths to state their claims, particularly in the case of Marange. The ‘solutions’ offered seem to push for better and improved Code of Practices, Code of Conducts, Best Practice Principals, regulation and legislation. In the meantime the certifying bodies in the jewellery industry are reaching ever higher levels of companies that join and comply with their standards, regulatory measures and legislation.
Regulatory measures and legislation that are made under the guise of “social responsibility”.
Yet, inviting the Marange people over to stakeholder meetings or offering cooperation to actually do something beneficial for the Marange communities is apparently a no go.
It doesn’t seem to fit the working definition of what they stand for and wish to pursue, which is remarkable because most of these organizations left and or criticized the KP for exactly the same reason.
It makes one wonder.
Shouldn’t we argue that this is the beginning of CSR? That out of respect for persons that are adversely affected comes ethical dialogue. And ethical dialogue is meaningless unless one is prepared to act.
But one’s motives are not my concern. I like to stand up for the underdog, say yes when everyone says no and see potential where everyone sees problems. It’s a nasty habit.
Fact of the matter is that on August 18th of this year the Marange Community Museum opened its doors. The museum aims to offer a development solution for the people in the much disputed rich diamond region of Zimbabwe.
Subsequently we expect that the efforts of and activities surrounding the museum will foster community relations and result in the establishment of a legal entity that can safeguard Marange’s natural resources. Much like what the Bafokeng have done in South Africa.
With the assistance of Rhodes Scholar (you have to appreciate the irony here), Dr. Robert McLaren and the network and knowhow of Chief Godfrey Marange this now seems well within reach.
Our commitment to this cause stems from our core philosophy that beneficiation, development and certification mean more then securing a fair deal and window dressing your company with a logo that earns you the glow of satisfaction for occupying the moral high ground. Let alone adding to bureacratic legistative measures which in the end effectively reduce Human Rights to Human Priviledges to be taken away or granted according to some technocrats whim.
Quality of life is not measured by wealth but by freedom. Freedom is the principal goal and purpose.
Poverty and conflict are not just about money. They are about a general lack in possibilities for people to live the life they want.
We sincerely believe that by assisting the communities in Marange and empower and equip them with self-identity, self-belief and life skills we will increase the potential for freedom and therefore the quality of life in Marange.
Having said that I would like to add that I’m not opposed to CSR programs perse, a lot of these programs are actually quite interesting and also value driven so there’s no reason not to implement it in your business. But feel good about it for the right reasons
If politics is about getting people to co-ordinate their actions, to move in the same direction at the same time in order to accomplish a purpose, then you should ask yourself if your implementing a CSR strategy or a political one.
Read more about the Marange Community Museum here.
