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This study was undertaken with the purpose of investigating the impact of corporate social responsibility of small and medium enterprise owners on community upliftment in the eThekwini Municipality. The study sought to reinforce understanding of CSR and its economic, social and environment impact on communities by small and medium enterprises. This study`s target population was 5000 registered SMEs, with a sample of 250 determined through random sampling method and the questionnaire used to collect data. Data collected was analysed through the Statistical Package for Social Science (SPSS) and cross-tabulation analyses as well as several multivariate statistical techniques to assist in answering key research questions of this study.  Validity for this study was ensured through face and content techniques to ensure that items being presented in the questionnaire were clear and that measures included a representative set of items that measure concepts being addressed. The findings revealed the SMs were aware of the impact of corporate social responsibility on community upliftment and that the relationship between community involvement and community upliftment exist to some extent. This study recommended that SMEs be empowered with issues relating to CSR and these issues be implemented in other municipalities in Kwazulu-Natal. The findings of this study are envisaged to assist SMEs to better understand CSR activities and to successfully implement them in communities.

Small Medium Enterprises (SMEs) have an important role to play in promoting sustainable development and social responsibility in their communities. In the eThekwini Municipality of South Africa, there are many opportunities for SMEs to engage in social responsibility activities. A validation approach can be used to assess the effectiveness of these activities and ensure that they are meeting the needs of the community. This study sought to investigate the Role of Corporate Social Responsibility in Small and Medium-sized Enterprises in eThekwini municipality in South Africa. Data collection from 210 small business owners or managers in the eThekwini Municipality revealed a significant relationship between community involvement, environmental awareness, and community upliftment in the quest to build long-term relationships with communities.  The primary objective for the study was to determine and establish the CSR activities of SMEs in the eThekwini Municipality.

South African legislation does not obligate companies to fulfill their corporate social responsibilities. Understanding the impact of corporate social responsibility (CSR) on social inclusivity is crucial in ensuring trade-offs between companies and the citizens residing where development takes place. There is a need for a national consensus on a CSR policy framework within a social cohesion and nation-building compact. The inclusion of the legislation for ensuring compliance towards fulfilling the purpose of the country’s sustainable development agenda is fully referred to in the discussion. The unparalleled position requires collective energies with the public to actualize strategies. This chapter underpins the importance of having CSR as a standalone legislation and seeks to contribute to the world of science by leveling the ground with the rhetoric discussion. The document analysis was the backbone for a qualitative research methodology where the related intricacies were revealed. The research will embark on an empirical investigation to publish evidence-based results based on the document analysis and legislative framework. The gap of a lack of legislation in South Africa has been identified notwithstanding the related legislation, which corroborates the direction the country is taking towards CSR. The study contributes to the body of knowledge on sustainable development on the transformation agenda. However, this study is limited in the sense that it did not embark on a largescale data collection from the implementers and the communities for empirical research which could be measured. This shall be employed in future research for evidence-based information and knowledge sharing.