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Woolworths Deepens Social Justice Commitment with New Inclusive Justice Institute and People-Focused Initiatives

Retail 17 June 2025

Building on its long-standing Inclusive Justice Initiative (IJI) launched in 2021, Woolworths recently announced a significant step in its commitment to creating a truly inclusive society: the launch of its Inclusive Justice Institute. This new Institute, backed by a R300 million commitment, will serve as a powerful engine for driving social justice through focused support for Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) and impactful community programs.

The IJI, integral to Woolworths' "Good Business Journey," is founded on the ethos of inspiring inclusive growth for all. It acknowledges that certain groups in society are marginalized, and as a business, Woolworths is dedicated to fostering an inclusive environment where everyone feels they belong—accepted, protected, safe, and respected. This includes a deliberate effort to create access to achieve diversity and ensure no one is left behind.

"Our purpose as a business has always been to add quality to life — not only for our customers but also in the communities where we operate,” said Group CEO Roy Bagattini. “The launch of our Inclusive Justice Institute aligns with our vision to be one of the world’s most responsible retailers. It underscores our deep commitment to addressing social justice in a meaningful way.”

The Inclusive Justice Institute: A Two-Pillar Approach

The newly launched Institute comprises two non-profit companies: the Enterprise Inclusive Justice Institute (EIJI) and the Community Inclusive Justice Institute (CIJI).

The CIJI will amplify Woolworths' social impact programs, focusing on critical areas such as food security and quality basic education. Its goal is to foster community resilience and economic inclusion.
The EIJI will drive the MSME development program, providing essential mentorship and financial support to empower small businesses to grow sustainably and integrate into the Woolworths supply chain.

At the launch event, Minister of Small Business Development, Stella Ndabeni, praised the initiative: "The Woolworths Inclusive Justice Institute points us in the right direction. It’s a practical demonstration of how a leading retailer may empower small enterprises. A vision like this resonates with everything we stand for and [Woolworths] has a partner in us.”

The R300 million capital investment includes R200 million from Woolworths and a significant R100 million from The Land and Agricultural Development Bank of South Africa (Land Bank).

People at the Heart of Inclusive Justice

Beyond the Institute, Woolworths' IJI places a strong emphasis on its people-focused initiatives. The Group is proactively addressing critical social justice concerns within its workforce, encompassing themes of:

Combating racism
Advancing women’s empowerment and gender equity (a universal lead advocacy issue for the Group)
Addressing gender-based violence
Promoting broader diversity and inclusion
Ensuring equitable, fair, and responsible pay

To champion these efforts, Woolworths has appointed an executive specifically responsible for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI). Key people-focused initiatives within the IJI framework include:

Implementing a Just Wage system.
Setting clear Employment Equity targets.
Providing targeted training and development programs.
Fostering strong values-driven leadership and culture.
Introducing a Gain-share scheme.
Offering gender-neutral working wardrobes.
Providing bursaries for employees and their dependents.
Supporting the redeployment of employees from closed stores.
Conducting marginalised communities awareness and sensitisation initiatives.
Offering learnerships.
Refreshing policies to be more inclusive.
Providing an Employee Assistance Programme.
Establishing employee resource groups.

Zinzi Mgolodela, Woolworths’ Corporate Social Justice Director, highlighted the impact of these ongoing efforts. In the last financial year alone, Woolworths increased procurement spend on MSMEs by 42% to R4 billion, contributed R7 billion to the revenues of black- and black women-owned suppliers, and donated R816 million worth of good quality surplus food to under-resourced communities, aligning with the UN Sustainable Development Goal of Zero Hunger.

The establishment of the Inclusive Justice Institute, combined with these robust internal initiatives, positions Woolworths as a leader in driving sustainable impact and inclusive growth at scale. The company invites like-minded stakeholders to partner with or invest in the Institute, joining forces to ignite meaningful change across South Africa.

Written by: Shihaam (Gabriella) Steyn - Adams.

Guzzle Media