“We all hide behind 'identity', be it religion or a business suit.
This masks our humanity, we become fearful to show our
true humanity.What makes a man is how a man thinks.
People act out of insecurity; generosity comes from a sense
of security and generates a sense of security.”
Mr Sayed Mia
with Ex President
Mr Nelson Mandela
Talking to Zaakir Mia after our meeting he summed his
father and his family up for us.
“This is a family way of life. Pro?t is good. But don't take what
you want at expense of others. Companies are citizens.
Responsible to their environment. The way you operate in
the world de?nes the nature of your world. And that is not
just a moral position, it's a pragmatic one too. What we do
now delivers a lifetime's bene?t. When we make society
better that is to the long term bene?t to the business. Social
responsibility is long term thinking. Short term pro?ts are
less value than long term sustainability.”
See, it's not just spiritual and moral position this one.
Generosity and morality can be defended and de?ned on
the balance sheet. As Zaakir says:
“When you serve society you serve your own best interests.
With my dad it's not just about giving and it's not just about
receiving. Instead of taking for himself he is looking to
bene?t everyone.”
Companies as corporate citizens, generosity as pragmatic
business sense. Imagine what could and would be done if
everyone looked at things the way the Mia's see the world.
“For me the most important principle that my mother taught
me is this: 'The best among you are those that bene?t
mankind'. We are human beings ?rst – need and
generosity transcends borders, religion, language and
culture … And what we expect of each other is what we get
…”
Maymoona Mia set the goals and expectations for her
family. Her attitude cascaded down to her kids, and through
her kids to their kids and so on to the next generation. As Mr
Mia says. “Your expectations of your children are what help
to de?ne them”.
And, we expect, your expectations of yourself are what will
ultimately de?ne you. And, for evidence of that we need look
no further than Mr. Mia and his family, a family that has been
inspired to live a wealthy life … A life de?ned by 'Wealth
beyond money' …
Mr Sayed Mia with President Zuma
CORPORATE SOCIAL REVIEW
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