Issie Kirsh CHAIRMAN - PRIMEDIA FOUNDATION

The 2006/7 financial year has been one of growth for the Primedia Group, both in terms of its businesses and its involvement in corporate social investment in South Africa. Through the Primedia Foundation, Primedia Limited and its group of companies have made it a business imperative to put something back into society.

Whether modest or substantial in scope, each Primedia Group or individual company project is nonetheless playing its part in the development and upliftment of the land we call home. Whether making a small donation to help a single child in need, or an initiative which attracts great attention, I thank all those who have been involved in making a difference.

Some of our initiatives have indeed found themselves in the spotlight, attesting to their impact on and importance to our society. I refer specifi cally to the inauguration of the UNISA/Primedia Chair of Holocaust and Genocide Studies, which saw the coming to life of an endeavour which has both worldwide impact and great importance to Africa.

The then British Prime Minister, Tony Blair, attended the inauguration at UNISA’s Graduate School of Business Leadership in Midrand. In his keynote address, he said that wherever oppression, poverty and injustice exist, it is not only our duty but is also in our own self-interest to do whatever is necessary to bring about change for the better.

This shows the inclusive nature of this new academic chair, not only to deal with issues of holocaust and genocide around the world, but with all forms of injustice, such as that which happened in South Africa during the apartheid years.

Mr Blair’s sentiments also extend to our existence as a business, informing the efforts we make in the fi eld of corporate social investment. It is indeed our duty to ensure we help to bring about change in a society dogged by poverty after decades of oppression and injustice.

Another initiative which has been in the media spotlight recently is the Primedia Crime Line, launched off the back of a R50m commitment from Primedia Limited and its subsidiaries. Launched in the last month of the 2006/7 fi nancial year, the Primedia Crime Line has already seen over 150 arrests being made within its fi rst three months of operation. I am confi dent this is but the tip of the iceberg, and that this project will make an even bigger difference in the fi ght against crime and corruption in South Africa as the months roll by.

Also set to make even more of a difference in the lives of ordinary South Africans is Primedia Skills Development, which intends extending its operations into Cape Town later this year.

Individual Primedia companies have also applied themselves to making a contribution. Companies of the group committed in excess of R53,75m in the 2006/7 fi nancial year to various CSI projects. I would like to thank them all for their endeavours.

Finally, I would like to thank the members of the Primedia Foundation, who continue to dedicate themselves to helping the Foundation achieve its aim of uplifting and enhancing South African society.

Issie Kirsh
Chairman, Primedia Foundation