Sage Foundation launches in Africa Sage is introducing its innovative 2+2+2 community model across Africa Little Rose in Soweto, South Africa selected as the first major recipient for Sage Foundation on the continent JOHANNESBURG, South Africa, January 26, 2016/APO (African Press Organization)/ -- Sage (http://www.Sage.com) today launched the Sage Foundation (http://www.sage.com/company/sage_foundation) across Africa at the 2016 Sage Business Partner Conference, currently underway at the Sandton Convention Centre in South Africa. Sage, the market leader for integrated accounting, payroll and payment systems, has launched the global foundation to set a new benchmark for corporate partnerships through its 2+2+2 model for working with the community. Under this unique model, Sage is committed to giving 2% of employee time (5 days paid volunteering per year), 2% of free cash flow and 2 donated software licences to eligible registered charities, social enterprises and non-profit organisations. Throughout the year, the Foundation will go live in all of the 23 countries Sage operates in. Ivan Epstein (https://twitter.com/IvanEpstein), Chairman of Sage Foundation and President for Sage International, said: “By consolidating our work to support charities, social enterprises and non-profit organisations under the banner of the Foundation, we can achieve the scale to make a difference in the lives of millions of people around Africa. “The Sage Foundation is committed to transforming lives by investing our time, money and expertise and technology to create sustainable social and economic opportunity in our local communities around the world. We are passionate about people and helping those who live along side us, it’s our privilege and honour to serve them. Epstein and Stephen Kelly (https://twitter.com/SKellyCEO), CEO of Sage, today visited the Little Rose Children’s Centre in Kliptown, Soweto to inaugurate the Sage Foundation Library. This project is the first major initiative for the Sage Foundation in Africa and sees the Sage Foundation create a safe study facility for the Centre’s children and community members. Epstein added: “Lots of Sage employees are already involved in volunteering and grant programmes – we’re extending and building on this. Our team is excited to be part of the Little Rose project, which strives to build a better future for children excluded from good educational opportunities. We hope that the Sage Foundation Library will give the Kliptown children a safe facility where they can study.” “We believe in a socially-responsible world and Sage playing a positive role in communities. For us this is the right way to do business. I am proud to see our colleagues in Africa embrace the spirit of Sage Foundation so enthusiastically by supporting this important project.” said Stephen Kelly, CEO of Sage Distributed by APO (African Press Organization) on behalf of Sage. Press contact: Idea Engineers: PR agency for Sage Del-Mari Roberts  Tel:       +27 (0)11 803 0030 Mobile: +27 (0)72 5958 053 delmari@ideaengineers.co.za Clive Moagi Tel:       +27 (0)11 803 0030 Mobile: +27 (0)73 4116 023 Clive@ideaengineers.co.za  Director Communications: Sage International Christa Botha Mobile: +27 (0)82 562 5264 Christa.Botha@sage.com Sage Foundation Manager, Africa Joanne van der Walt Mobile: +27 (0) 82 086 0073 Joanne.VanDerWalt@sage.com About the Sage Foundation – an introduction: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3umTsKsxdH8 Sage Foundation Library in the making at Little Rose: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GUTOa_eYiBE About The Little Rose Centre The Little Rose Centre is a safe haven for vulnerable children from the Kliptown informal settlement community. Started over 20 years ago using a double decker bus, the centre now has five colourful containers used for classrooms, play and sleeping areas as well as for administration and cooking. Sage is providing two more converted shipping containers - fully outfitted with electricity, fittings, flooring, windows, doors, furniture, desks, chairs, books, and more – to serve as the Library. Sage employees are helping to prepare the converted containers for use, rolling up their sleeves to help with the painting and building. The children will have access to desks, library books, and a quiet environment for learning at the library which operates from 8am – 8pm weekdays, and on Saturday mornings. Sage colleagues will use their volunteer days to coach and spend time with children that need assistance with their studies.   About Sage  Sage (http://www.Sage.com) is the market leader for integrated accounting, payroll and payment systems, supporting the ambition of the world’s entrepreneurs. Sage began as a small business in the UK 30 years ago and over 13000 colleagues now support millions of entrepreneurs across 23 countries as they power the global economy. We reinvent and simplify business accounting through brilliant technology, working with a thriving community of entrepreneurs, business owners, tradespeople, accountants, partners and developers. And as a FTSE 100 business, we are active in supporting our local communities and invest in making a real difference through the philanthropy of the Sage Foundation. Sage – the market leader for integrated accounting, payroll and payment systems, supporting the ambition of the world’s entrepreneurs. For more information, please visit: http://www.sage.com/company/sage_foundation  Connect with Sage  •    YouTube (http://sge.bz/SageYouTube) •    Facebook (http://sge.bz/SageFacebook) •    Twitter (https://twitter.com/SageGroupZA)