This paper is grounded in the works of Noyoo (2016) and Barnett et al. (2020). Noyoo (2016) argues that most corporate social responsibility (CSR) literature is based on the business sector. The literature seriously lacks a global social policy perspective from practice and academia. Therefore, we answered the question, “What is the social impact of corporate social investment in South Africa”? We conducted semi-structured interviews with 32 beneficiaries of CSI initiatives in South Africa. The data was analysed using critical systems heuristics as the theoretical framework. The research highlights that the interests of purported beneficiaries are not adequately represented in CSI initiatives. Not only were the Respondents’ interests not represented, but they also shared that they had no opportunity or space to voice their interests in the various CSI initiatives. Regarding worldview, respondents were unaware of what to say. However, they realise this and go on a limb to seek the required assistance not provided by the CSI initiatives elsewhere by themselves without support. Therefore, the positive sentiment shared around the CSI initiative’s social impact shows gratitude for upgrading from nothing to something rather than achieving their social needs. Necessitating the need and importance of aid after implementing the CSI initiative to bridge the gap with practice.