, PLEASE USE THIS DOCUMENT AS A GUIDE TO ANSWER YOUR ASSIGNMENT
Please also note that the author of this document will not be responsible for any plagiarism you
commit.
Instructions:
Conduct an internet search and access the Standard Bank of South Africa Integrated Report for 2023.
Read the report and answer the following questions in an essay format of 2 500 – 3 000 words
(maximum of 10 pages).
1. Start the essay with an introduction.
2. Each question should be answered in a separate paragraph with a clear heading/sub-heading.
3. When answering the question, begin with a theoretical overview based on the prescribed material
and additional resources and then apply the theory to the case study.
4. Use in-text citations to acknowledge your sources and include a full list of references.
5. End your essay with a conclusion.
6. All the questions should be answered as part of the essay with one introduction, a body and one
conclusion.
Essay 1
Introduction
The Standard Bank of South Africa (SBSA) is a significant player in the South African financial
landscape, contributing to the country’s socioeconomic progress while striving to achieve sustainable
growth. As a purpose-driven financial institution, SBSA integrates its strategic objectives with
sustainable development goals (SDGs), aiming to balance financial performance with social
responsibility. This essay examines SBSA’s strategic commitments, evaluates its targets using the
SMART principle, and assesses the effectiveness of its mission and vision statements. Additionally,
it formulates and evaluates a proposed vision statement and applies the Balanced Scorecard
framework to align SBSA’s strategic objectives with actionable goals. By analyzing these elements,
this essay provides insights into SBSA’s approach to achieving long-term success in a dynamic and
competitive environment.
1. Commitment to Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
SBSA demonstrates a robust commitment to several SDGs, focusing on those most pertinent to its
African operations. Its initiatives align with five key SDGs, as highlighted below:
SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth - SBSA facilitates economic activity that
promotes South Africa’s development, emphasizing financial inclusion, job creation, and
enterprise development. For instance, the bank supports small and medium enterprises (SMEs)
within the agricultural value chain. In 2023, SBSA enabled payments of R61.4 million to
smallholder farmers, sustained 3,508 jobs, and created 2,170 new ones.
SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure - SBSA finances transformational
infrastructure projects, prioritizing clean energy technologies. Its support for the just energy
transition demonstrates a commitment to sustainable industrial development and climate
change mitigation.
Please also note that the author of this document will not be responsible for any plagiarism you
commit.
Instructions:
Conduct an internet search and access the Standard Bank of South Africa Integrated Report for 2023.
Read the report and answer the following questions in an essay format of 2 500 – 3 000 words
(maximum of 10 pages).
1. Start the essay with an introduction.
2. Each question should be answered in a separate paragraph with a clear heading/sub-heading.
3. When answering the question, begin with a theoretical overview based on the prescribed material
and additional resources and then apply the theory to the case study.
4. Use in-text citations to acknowledge your sources and include a full list of references.
5. End your essay with a conclusion.
6. All the questions should be answered as part of the essay with one introduction, a body and one
conclusion.
Essay 1
Introduction
The Standard Bank of South Africa (SBSA) is a significant player in the South African financial
landscape, contributing to the country’s socioeconomic progress while striving to achieve sustainable
growth. As a purpose-driven financial institution, SBSA integrates its strategic objectives with
sustainable development goals (SDGs), aiming to balance financial performance with social
responsibility. This essay examines SBSA’s strategic commitments, evaluates its targets using the
SMART principle, and assesses the effectiveness of its mission and vision statements. Additionally,
it formulates and evaluates a proposed vision statement and applies the Balanced Scorecard
framework to align SBSA’s strategic objectives with actionable goals. By analyzing these elements,
this essay provides insights into SBSA’s approach to achieving long-term success in a dynamic and
competitive environment.
1. Commitment to Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
SBSA demonstrates a robust commitment to several SDGs, focusing on those most pertinent to its
African operations. Its initiatives align with five key SDGs, as highlighted below:
SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth - SBSA facilitates economic activity that
promotes South Africa’s development, emphasizing financial inclusion, job creation, and
enterprise development. For instance, the bank supports small and medium enterprises (SMEs)
within the agricultural value chain. In 2023, SBSA enabled payments of R61.4 million to
smallholder farmers, sustained 3,508 jobs, and created 2,170 new ones.
SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure - SBSA finances transformational
infrastructure projects, prioritizing clean energy technologies. Its support for the just energy
transition demonstrates a commitment to sustainable industrial development and climate
change mitigation.
