The immediate impact of COVID-19 on African civil society organisations (CSOs) was swift, widespread and destabilizing. This is one of the main findings of the Africa CSO COVID-19 Survey that @AfricanNGOs and EPIC-Africa implemented between 28 April and 15 May 2020. A total of 1 015 CSOs from 44 African countries participated in the survey.... Continue Reading →
COVID-19 and NPOs in South Africa: Fundraising and Sustainability in Uncertain Times
(This article was first published on the Tara Transform website) The COVID-19 pandemic, national lockdown and resulting economic slowdown have disrupted every aspect of South African society. This situation also has far-reaching implications for the role that nonprofit organisations (NPOs) play in the lives of millions of South Africans. The more than 220 000 NPOs... Continue Reading →
COVID-19 in South Africa – An Overview of the NGO Funding Situation and Fundraising Efforts
The COVID-19 pandemic, national lockdown, and resulting economic slowdown affect every aspect of South African society. Given the already weak state of the economy, the country’s high levels of unemployment, poverty and inequality will increase as a result. The consequences of the COVID-19 pandemic also have far-reaching implications for the role that NGOs play in... Continue Reading →
Crowdfunding for NGOs in South Africa – Background, Platforms and Programmes
There are currently more than 220 000 NGOs registered with the Department of Social Development. Many of these organisations perform critical development, humanitarian, and advocacy functions, but in a changing and increasingly competitive operating environment, they are confronted with serious funding and sustainability challenges. Diversifying their funding base and attracting new individual and institutional donors... Continue Reading →
My Fundraising Appeal – Support the Nelson Mandela Children’s Hospital
I have been participating in extreme desert running challenges for the past few years to raise awareness and funds for organisations and causes making a difference in Africa. Starting on 20 October, I’ll be competing in my eleventh international desert race - the Kalahari Augrabies Extreme Marathon (KAEM). This race involves running 250km in 6... Continue Reading →
KAEM – How to follow me during the race
Greetings from the Augrabies Falls in the Northern Cape. Tomorrow is the start of the 2018 Kalahari Augrabies Extreme Marathon (KAEM). The 19th edition of the race - 250km over 6 stages / 7 days – will be held from 20-26 October 2018. The following links will keep you informed about my progress during the... Continue Reading →
Nelson Mandela Children’s Hospital – Honouring Madiba’s Legacy and Changing Lives
“Together as a nation, we have the obligation to put sunshine into the hearts of our little ones. They are our precious possessions. They deserve what happiness life can offer.” Former president Nelson Mandela On the afternoon of 8 February 2018, my 10-year-old son was moved to the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) at Wilgeheuwel Hospital... Continue Reading →
Current and expected future challenges facing NGOs in South Africa
by Dr Rama Naidu, Executive Director, Democracy Development Program South Africa no longer a priority for donor funding South Africa is no longer considered a priority area for funders and money is being channeled directly to Government through bi-laterals. There is a mistaken notion that democracy is fully consolidated in South Africa and that support... Continue Reading →
Non-profits and financial sustainability in South Africa
by Shelagh Gastrow, Founder and Director, GastrowBloch Philanthropies There are more than 150 000 non-profit organisations registered with the South African Department of Social Development. This explosion of organisations has resulted in on-going pressure for funding. Whilst funding crises are the normal situation for many non-profits, it is important for them to make plans for... Continue Reading →
Taking a rain check – the tale of ‘moneybags’ and the African NGO
by Ezra Mbogori, Executive Director, MS Training Centre for Development Cooperation Having worked in the non-profit sector for over 35 years, I say nothing new by repeating what has been said many times before, that resources - both material and human - maybe even spiritual, continue to be the single biggest challenge for civil society... Continue Reading →