At Balance the Future, we believe that meaningful, well-planned community investment isn’t just a social obligation - it’s a smart, strategic business decision. Here’s why:
Demonstrating genuine care for the communities builds trust, strengthens stakeholder relationships, and creates loyal brand ambassadors where you operate.
When companies invest with purpose, employees feel valued, inspired, and proud — increasing retention, loyalty, and overall engagement.
When communities thrive, businesses flourish. Long-term investment creates resilient environments and a sustainable, shared future.
say they are more likely to support brands that stand for social and environmental issues.
say a company's commitment to social responsibility influences their decision to stay long-term.
believe integrating sustainability into their business strategy is critical to long-term success.
Balance the Future (BTF) is a proudly woman-owned management consultancy founded in 2016. We specialise in creating shared value and designing sustainable community programmes that align with business strategy while driving long-term social and economic growth.
What sets us apart is how we seamlessly blend sustainable thinking with practical programme development. Guided by a simple yet powerful belief - that meaningful solutions must serve both business objectives and community needs - we help organisations build initiatives that create lasting, measurable impact.
With experience in strategic sustainability, programme development, and project management, we partner with businesses to turn purpose into action and good intentions into outcomes that benefit all stakeholders.
We exist to build thriving, inclusive, and sustainable communities by partnering with corporates to deliver impactful, purpose-driven social investment programmes. Together, we believe in creating Opportunities, restoring dignity, and leaving a legacy of hope and progress where it matters most.
At Balance the Future, we are passionate about guiding businesses to invest meaningfully in the lives of the people and communities they touch. We work hand-in-hand with corporates to design, implement, and manage social investment initiatives that uplift, empower, and inspire. Our mission is to turn good intentions into lasting, measurable change — because when communities thrive, businesses flourish, and futures are transformed.
While our core team leads most engagements, we collaborate with trusted subject matter experts when specialised expertise are needed. This flexible, partnership-driven model ensures agile, high-quality, end-to-end delivery.
Our core strengths are:
* Programme Development, Implementation & Management
* Community Risk Assessments
* End-to-End Programme Facilitation
* Stakeholder Engagement & Relationship Management
* Local Economic Development Sourcing & Activation
* Strategic Partnerships
* Monitoring & Evaluation
* Budget Management & Oversight
* Integrated Reporting
At Balance the Future, our projects reflect our commitment to creating sustainable, inclusive, and forward-thinking solutions for communities and ecosystems. Each initiative is rooted in collaboration, innovation, and long-term impact, whether it’s addressing environmental challenges, promoting social equity, or driving education and economic opportunities. Explore our growing portfolio of projects and discover how we’re working alongside partners and communities to build a more balanced, resilient future for all.
MULTIPURPOSE RESOURCE CENTRES
In partnership with Sasria Soc Ltd, Santam and three local municipalities, Ehlanzeni District and Cape Winelands District, Balance the Future established Multipurpose Resource Centres to serve as safe, welcoming community hubs. These Centres offer access to computers, internet, printers, and meeting spaces, creating opportunities for learning, connection, and personal development. Community members can participate in online computer training, search for career opportunities, complete school projects, or print important documents. In peri-urban areas where such resources are often limited, these Centres open up new possibilities, helping people access the tools and skills they need to thrive.
EDUCATING EDUCATORS FOR THE FUTURE
Balance the Future partnered with Sasria to implement a targeted Early Childhood Development (ECD) initiative aimed at reducing long-term social risk through education. With an investment of R2.5 million, the programme trained over 100 educators across multiple ECD centres - many of which were previously unregistered and under-resourced. Outcomes included increased practitioner qualifications (NQF 4 & 5), improved job placements, and new applications for ECD centre registration - enhancing access to government funding and elevating early learning in the region.
CORPORATE SOCIAL INVESTMENT ALIGNMENT
Over the years, Balance the Future has partnered with Taquanta Asset Managers to align their Corporate Social Investment (CSI) Fund with core business objectives. As part of this journey, BTF introduced Taquanta to the inspiring Hein Wagner Academy, Africa’s first institution training differently-abled individuals to become Cybersecurity Experts.
We also developed a comprehensive three-year CSI Impact Report to showcase measurable outcomes, and launched Taquanta’s ongoing Mandela Day 67-Minute Projects, fostering a culture of hands-on community involvement that continues to grow each year.
PARTNERSHIP FOR RISK & RESILIENCE (P4RR)
Balance the Future was appointed to manage the Partnership for Risk and Resilience (P4RR) Social Risk Management programme in Mpumalanga on behalf of Sasria Soc Ltd. P4RR is aimed at building resilience in high-risk communities. With an investment of over R1 million, BTF delivered 8 targeted interventions across Ehlanzeni District - including leadership training for ward councillors, customer care workshops for healthcare workers, Multipurpose resource centres for youth, and a pothole repair pilot using sustainable methods. The programme strengthened local government capacity, empowered service providers, and created lasting community value.
#1ISBETTERTHANZERO FOOD SECURITY (COVID)
Balance the Future had the privilege to drive the Bryan Habana Foundation
#1isBetterThanZero Food Security Project in conjunction with The Boxer Stores, Pick 'n Pay in Kwa-Zulu Natal, Gauteng, Western Cape & Limpopo during Covid19.
On occasion, we still assist the Bryan Habana Foundation to identify under resourced sports teams with Nutritional Protein Shakes, sponsored by Herbal Life.
MY STORY
I’m Erica Wicomb, Founder and Director of Balance the Future (BTF) and at my core, I am someone who believes in the power of business to be a force for good. With over 30 years of experience across corporate sustainability, social investment, and community-driven development, I’ve seen first-hand the incredible potential that lies at the intersection of commercial success and meaningful social impact.
I founded BTF in 2016, driven by a deep passion for helping businesses not only grow, but grow well - in ways that uplift people, strengthen communities, and leave a lasting legacy. After more than a decade in the insurance industry, managing sustainability and risk management programmes that connected business, government, and local communities, I recognised the urgent need for purpose-driven partnerships that go beyond ticking boxes.
My professional journey has shaped me into a Systemic Thinker; a listener, a connector, and an advocate for the underrepresented voices in boardrooms and community forums alike. From developing strategic CSI programmes to forging impactful partnerships and driving tangible outcomes in education, youth empowerment, and local economic development - my work has always been about people, purpose, and possibility.
Today, BTF stands as a reflection of that belief: that businesses have both the responsibility and the opportunity to be active contributors to South Africa’s social and economic wellbeing.
Outside of BTF, I serve as Chairperson of the Siyafunda Education Foundation, championing robotics and iSTEM education, and as a board member of She-Chem, a non-profit empowering young women in Hanover Park. These roles keep me grounded, connected, and continually inspired by the resilience and potential of our communities.
This is more than work for me - it’s my calling. And through BTF, I’m honoured to walk this path with businesses who are bold enough to balance profit with purpose.
