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 →
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 →
“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 →
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 →
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 →
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 →
by Judith Mtsewu, Knowledge Manager, CAF Southern Africa It was Albert Einstein who said that “in the middle of difficulty lies opportunity,” and it is a sentiment that rings true for the state of the NPO sector in South Africa currently. Civil society across the globe has evolved and changed markedly over the last two... Continue Reading →
Charities Aid Foundation Southern Africa (CAFSA) is an independent civil society organisation that promotes and facilitates effective giving, volunteering and investment for social change. It has been represented in South Africa since 1997, and in 2000 became a registered Section 21 not-for-profit and public benefit organisation. CAFSA aims to challenge existing social, economic and political... Continue Reading →
by Nicolette Naylor & Rutendo Chandiwana, Ford Foundation The term ‘shrinking space’ within civil society has become common phrases for the development community as we navigate what has become the new normal amidst the ever-increasing rise in inequality, authoritarianism and a move to much more polarized and insular societies around the world. Some authors point... Continue Reading →
