The COVID-19 pandemic continues to take its toll on the African continent. While Africa still accounts for relatively few deaths from the disease, the numbers are rising. COVID-19 has disrupted and destabilised the global economy, and its impact is felt throughout Africa. While most countries scramble to contain the pandemic, the social and economic effects... Continue Reading →
The challenges facing South African civil society organisations
by Ntsiki Mpulo, Head of Communications, SECTION27 South African civil society organisations have a strong history of successfully challenging the status quo to the benefit of broader society. One of the most notable examples is the United Democratic Front, a coalition of anti-apartheid organisations, which fought within the country’s borders to overthrow the illegitimate Apartheid... Continue Reading →
In defence of NGOs, incubators of future leaders
by Dr Shuaib Manjra NGOs attract skilled individuals committed to progressive causes at great personal sacrifice. Furthermore, NGOs serve to incubate future leaders... In our broken, grotesquely unequal and multiply wounded society these NGOs have been the glue that enormously contributes to our society’s continued integrity and survival, and provide much needed hope. The NGO... 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 →
Shrinking Civic Space – The albatross around the neck of open governance reform
by Mukelani Dimba In mid-July 2018, more than 2 000 people representing governments, civil society formations, parliaments, multilateral institutions, and business met in Tbilisi, the capital of Georgia, for the fifth Open Government Partnership (OGP) Global Summit. The summit was billed as an occasion to showcase the latest innovations in making governments more open, accountable... 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 →
Internet and Technology-related Challenges and Opportunities Facing NGOs in Africa
by Felicia Anthonio, Coordinator, African Freedom of Expression Exchange The power of the Internet and technology has over the years enhanced the work of several organisations and individuals from diverse sectors globally - communications, journalism, advocacy, marketing, networking, etc. Like all other sectors of modern society, non-governmental organisations (NGOs) have been impacted by the vast... Continue Reading →
Internet and Technology-related Challenges and Opportunities Facing NGOs in Africa
by 'Gbenga Sesan, Executive Director, Paradigm Initiative In many countries across Africa, NGOs are citizens’ only access to basic needs. Some of Africa’s most important needs include access to universal human rights and digital connectivity via the Internet. As a result of the dire socio-economic and political situation in many parts of Africa, the rights... Continue Reading →
Reflections on the state of civil society in South Africa
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 →