The affordability of pensions and how they are to be funded must be looked at in the light of the nation’s long-term economic and social objectives.  In this context, the terms ‘support’ and ‘dependence’ are used and measured in an unhelpful way that incorrectly assumes a one-way relationship.  The elderly are depicted as dependent ‘takers’, but they also support the economy and society through paying taxes and voluntary activities. Instead of looking at the ‘old age support ratio’ policymakers should focus on the ‘total economic support ratio’, which relates the number of people who are working to the numbers not working.  This was 0.48 in 2003 and is projected to decline to 0.45 by 2041.  At this point it will be almost the same as it was in 1961.

UNEP Launches Green Economy Initiative to Get the Global Markets Back to Work

While companies and consumers are becoming more aware of their social responsibilities, South Africa still faces huge, un-met challenges. And although philanthropy plays a vital role in the development of communities, is not enough to bring an end to poverty. GreaterGood South Africa, through its SA Social Investment Exchange (SASIX), is pioneering new ways of giving people and communities access to the capital they need to lift themselves out of poverty.

A summary of some of the different pieces Tomorrow's Comany has produced relating to the investment system from which we will develop our policy relating to the financial crisis.

This describes the Tomorrow’s Company call on company leaders, shareholders and government to put stewardship and responsible investment at the heart of every decision they make in response to the current financial crisis, at the launch of the report Tomorrow’s Owners: Stewardship of Tomorrow’s Company.