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 →
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 →
Fire and Ice Ultra 2018 – My Race Reflections
The 2018 Fire and Ice Ultra in Iceland was a tough and challenging race in a special part of the world. I returned to South Africa with many fond memories of Iceland, the race itself, and people who I met before and during the race. Iceland is called the land of fire and ice for... Continue Reading →
My #NGOs4Africa Campaign – Week Seven Reflections
This blog covers the period from 20-25 August 2018. It is only two days to go before the start of the 2018 Fire and Ice Ultra in Iceland. I arrived this morning at the Fire and Ice Ultra headquarters in Akureyri, in the north of Iceland. It’s been an interesting journey to get here, to... Continue Reading →
The Cows – Love living life and making a difference
The Cows are all about FUNdraising for CHOC Childhood Cancer Foundation and supporting children with cancer. They represent people with a passion for life and a desire to support initiatives that make a difference. The energy of the herd is infectious and with the motto ‘Love Living Life’, there is no stopping the stampede. The... 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 →
SECTION27 – Catalysts for social justice
SECTION27 is a public interest law centre that focuses on access to health care services and other socio-economic rights in South Africa. It combines research, advocacy and legal action to improve the socio-economic conditions that undermine human dignity and development, prevent poor people from reaching their full potential and lead to the spread of diseases... Continue Reading →
ActionAid South Africa – Fighting poverty, inequality and injustice
ActionAid South Africa (AASA), part of an international non-governmental organisation operating in 45 countries, has worked in collaboration with local organizations in five provinces since 2006 to advance a society free from poverty, inequality, and injustice. AASA believes in creating a world that works for us all. This means ensuring rights become a reality for... 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 →
Soul City Institute – A passionate commitment to social justice
On 11 August 2016, the Soul City Institute (SCI) was relaunched as a feminist and social justice organisation that focusses on young women and girls and the communities they live in. Although South Africa enjoys one of the world’s most visionary constitutions and comprehensive bill of rights, the country remains a deeply patriarchal society, where... Continue Reading →