MultiChoice demonstrates its deep passion for people & the planet

MULTICHOICE  has published its environmental, social and governance report for the year that ended on March 31, highlighting an ongoing dedication to protecting the planet, empowering people and working on sustainable and positive change.

MultiChoice Zimbabwe’s head of corporate affairs and public relations, Charity Njanji, said initiatives covered in the report had impacted on the areas of sports, entrepreneurship, sustainability, employee development and empowering the telling of local stories.

“MultiChoice’s ESG strategies and initiatives are aligned to the United Nation’s Sustainable Development Goals, with specific focus on areas where it can make a direct contribution to positive outcomes in the communities in which it operates,” she said.

In the field of environmental action, has taken steps through initiatives such as investing in renewable energy, implementing carbon footprint reduction strategies and adopting sustainable business practices which combat climate change and safeguard the future of our planet. The environmental strategy is built on four pillars: strategic partnerships, conserving natural resources, creating solutions that enhance environmental performance and limiting direct impact on the environment.

Njanji said a leading environmental partnership was with the Earthshot Prize Global Alliance, from which has sprung support for environmental sustainability in Africa. A record 400 entries were submitted from across the continent for The Earthshot Prize 2024 and the best African eco-innovators will be selected to compete for these 2024 Awards, with the chance of winning £1 million.

In the field of social action, MultiChoice continued to make a meaningful impact in its communities focusing on respecting human rights, promoting diversity and practicing preferential procurement targeting historically disadvantaged individuals, women and young people.

          Social initiatives included the MultiChoice Talent Factory for aspiring film-makers from all over Africa, as well as South Africa’s DStv Schools Netball Challenge, Diski Challenge and the Here for Her campaign. The Here for Her campaign made history by assembling a 120-member, all-female production crew and cast to successfully deliver coverage of the 2023 Netball World Cup.

In the field of governance, MultiChoice has dedicated itself to upholding the highest standards of corporate governance, ethics and integrity. These principles are fundamental in enabling the business to generate value for all stakeholders. One of the company’s biggest focuses in this area has been the fight against the unauthorised retransmission and piracy of content, which poses a significant threat to the business and to the wider film and television industry.

Said Njanji: “MultiChoice is collaborating with Partners Against Piracy and various government departments and stakeholders across Africa, including Zimbabwe, to take steps to combat broadcasting piracy. This will help the film-makers most of all.

Looking at economic impact, MultiChoice’s strategic initiatives and partnerships have resulted in the company making significant contributions in local content, giving small and medium-sized enterprises a leg up and promoting skills development, all of which has contributed to job creation and economic empowerment in many African countries.

“What is clear from this report is that the whole commitment to ESG issues is based on action and not just words, so that meaningful change can be brought about and lives made easier across the continent,” said Njanji.