Our societal impact

Beyond words: Assessing the real-world impact of our initiatives

Lady in an office working on a computer

How we measure impact

At PwC, we believe in rigorously evaluating our societal impact to ensure we‘re driving meaningful, positive change. Our approach goes beyond traditional metrics, delving deep into the economic and social fabric of the communities where we operate.

We employ a comprehensive analysis framework that encompasses:

We carefully evaluate the broader effect of our investments, such as our bursary scheme and operational expenditures, on local and national economies.

We create detailed impact pathways for our skills development initiatives and other targeted programmes. This allows us to trace the journey from our initial input to the final outcomes in communities.

Our analysis doesn‘t stop at immediate results. We track long-term, multifaceted benefits, including job creation, community empowerment and sustainable development indicators.

These analytical tools give us actionable insights into how our presence translates into tangible societal improvements. This data-driven approach not only validates our efforts but also guides our future strategies, ensuring we continually enhance our role as a catalyst for positive societal transformation.

woman thinking

Our methodology

By evaluating the economic impact of PwC’s initiatives and mapping the pathways of selected skills development and other programmes, we can better understand how our operations and investments translate into tangible benefits like job creation and community empowerment. This approach aligns with our commitment to sustainable development and positive societal change, reinforcing our role as a responsible corporate citizen.

Contribution to economic growth
Low income households
Contribution to economic creation
Public finance

To effectively measure and understand the impact of our initiatives, we employ a comprehensive methodology that tracks the progression from resources invested to the ultimate changes in the lives of our target population. This approach involves several stages: inputs, activities, outputs, outcomes and impacts.

input beyond
outcome beyond
activity beyond
impact beyond
output beyond

The Economic Impact Assessment (EIA) methodology uses the Social Accounting Matrix (SAM) framework and is guided by Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) standards.

analysis included

Economic linkages illustrate a given expenditure’s direct, indirect, and induced effects. The multiplier quantifies these knock-on effects, with the total impact being the sum of direct, indirect and induced impacts.

having a conversation at the balcony

Impact pathways

PwC South Africa’s operational impact

We measured the economic impact of our operations as part of our societal purpose of building trust and delivering sustained outcomes. We show PwC’s estimated contribution through our day-to-day operations and their knock-on effects.

GDP impact
Total jobs

South African households are estimated to have received job opportunities, resulting in an increased income of around R8.8 billion.

Total government revenue is also estimated to have increased.

GDP impact
Total jobs

PwC contributed an estimated R2.6 billion through induced tax revenue contributions.

National treasury budget allocation

The results of the EIA show that PwC, through its operational expenditure, contributed positively to the South African economy.

This included contributions through greater economic growth and employment levels, reduced poverty, reduced income inequality, and increased public services and infrastructure funding.

Economic growth
Public finance
Employment creation
Low income households
Public finance
talking through a microphone

PwC South Africa bursaries

PwC bursary holders who started their articles in 2024 will earn R32.1 million in salaries by the end of the year. During the year, they will spend these salaries on various goods and services, contributing to the South African economy.

Estimated economic activity
Total jobs

Spending by PwC bursary holders will positively impact the household incomes of other individuals in South Africa. Simultaneously, government tax revenue is expected to increase because of increased tax revenue during 2024.

household income tax revenue
Estimated impact on household income

Youth Start programme (eduCate)

The Youth Start programme (eduCate) aims to improve education outcomes in South Africa, particularly in STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) fields. The programme involves multiple stakeholders, including Primestars, PwC, students, teachers, schools, government departments and numerous other organisations.

Some of the key estimated outcomes and impacts identified through our assessment include:

talking through a microphone

Outcomes

Impacts

 

Improved education:

  • Improved matric exam results 

  • Increased self-worth and better mental health

  • Access to STEM-related university courses

Economic growth:

  • Decreased youth unemployment 

  • Increased economic potential 

 

Enhanced support for students:

  • Development of more engineers and scientists

Social mobility:

  • Access to tertiary education and career opportunities

 

Improved STEM performance:

  • Increased bachelor pass rates

Community upliftment:

  • Successful students in their communities, creating a positive cycle 

 

Contribution to national goals:

  • Producing more science and engineering professionals

   

Enhanced brand profile:

  • Increase revenue and better community sentiment for funders

   

PwC Mauritius M-Kids Aquaponics

The PwC Mauritius M-Kids Aquaponics project is designed to empower vulnerable children in Port Louis by establishing an aquaponic garden. This initiative aims to provide sustainable agricultural skills, improve community health, and promote environmental awareness. The project involves multiple stakeholders, including PwC, M-Kids, youth participants, surrounding communities and suppliers.

Some of the key estimated outcomes and impacts identified through our assessment include:

talking through a microphone

Outcomes 

Impacts

 

Enhance employee skills:

  • Project management, communication and problem-solving 

  • Fulfilment of corporate social investment (CSI) mandate

  • Improved corporate image

Economic 

  • Increased revenue for suppliers 


 

Empowerment of vulnerable children:

  • Achievement of M-kids goal

  • Creation of sustainability and environmental awareness

Social:

  • Empowerment of youth 

  • Improved community health 

  • Sustainability awareness 

 

Agricultural skills development:

  • Acquisition of agricultural skills 

  • Increased sense of responsibility 

  • Better preparation for a career in agriculture 

Environmental:

  • Promotion of sustainable agricultural practices 

 

Community health improvement:

  • Access to fresh produce 

  • Improved nutrition 

  • Overall community health

   

PwC Nigeria Chess4Change 

The PwC Nigeria Chess4Change project aims to empower students by introducing them to chess, providing mentorship and enhancing their academic and leadership skills. The initiative involves multiple stakeholders, including PwC, MediaVision Limited, mentors, students, schools, and various educational and sports authorities.

Some of the key estimated outcomes and impacts identified through our assessment include:

talking through a microphone

Outcomes

Impacts

CSI responsibility:

  • Fulfilment of CSI mandate 

  • Enhanced brand awareness 

  • Improved community sentiment

Economic:

  • Increased revenue for stakeholders 

Programme management:

  • Increased income and professional fees

  • Enhanced brand awareness for implementer

Social:

  • Empowerment of students 

  • Improved academic and leadership skills 

  • Better community engagement 

Participant fulfilment:

  • Sense of fulfilment from equipping participants with knowledge and skills 

Educational:

  • Creating a pipeline of future professionals in Nigeria

  • Enhanced academic performance 

  • Increased interest in chess and related activities

Academic and leadership development:

  • Improved academic performance 

  • Acquisition of life and leadership skills 

  • Exposure to new careers

  • Participation in chess competitions 

 

Sports participation:

  • Increase participation in sports 

  • Enhance academic performance and leadership skills

 
Follow us

Contact us

Dion Shango

Dion Shango

Territory Senior Partner for PwC’s East, West and South Market regions in Africa, PwC South Africa

Tel: +27 (0) 11 797 4166

Shirley Machaba

Shirley Machaba

Regional Senior Partner, PwC South Market Area, PwC South Africa

Tel: +27 (0) 11 797 5851

Peter Ngahu

Peter Ngahu

Regional Senior Partner, PwC East Market Area, PwC Kenya

Tel: +254 (0) 20 285 5090

Sam Abu

Sam Abu

Regional Senior Partner, PwC West Market Area, PwC Nigeria

Tel: +2342012711700

Verena Koobair

Verena Koobair

Head of Communications and Societal Purpose Firm Pillar Lead, PwC South Africa

Tel: +27 (0) 11 797 4873

Hide