This article contains the profiles and photos of the first group of the founding 'Force For Good' Pioneers. We will be announcing more in due course.

John Drummond discusses what beliefs he thinks would drive a force for good company, arguing that that the beliefs of executives are often more important than the stated purpose of the companies that they work for.John Drummond is the Chief Executive of Corporate Culture, a communications and social marketing company that has been a finalist for small company of the year in the Business in the Community Awards for Excellence 2008 for the past two years.  He began life as a journalist before working for IBM in sales and marketing for seven years. He was formerly Group Communications Director of United Utilities.

It has become imperative for business to demonstrate greater social participation and create value in the communities where they operate. But the growing availability of corporate capital for social development has not necessarily resulted in funds finding an effective home. Money often flows to the best-known development programmes or is directed through governments or aid agencies with their own development agendas. This leaves under-developed and under-resourced initiatives, working on the ground to effect change, without access to capital markets. And while corporate philanthropy plays a vital role in the development of communities, is not enough to lift people out of poverty and address South Africa’s historic imbalances. The SA Social Investment Exchange (SASIX) is an innovative platform providing a range of high-impact social investment opportunities from grants to financial investments in responsible initiatives that offer market-related financial returns. This, together...

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.

By Alice Walker, about the civil rights movement, the historic presidential win of Barack Obama and his furture presidency. November the 5th, 2008.