I am honoured to have been invited to contribute a piece to Inyathelo’s 2016-2017 annual report under the theme of “Reimagining Our Future”. As a starting point, it is worth reminding ourselves of the steadfast and important role that advocacy organisations, like Inyathelo and the Graça Machel Trust, play in these tumultuous times.

The Charities Aid Foundation (CAF) publishes a series of annual giving reports describing the giving behaviours of people in Brazil, Canada, India, Russia, South Africa, the United States, and the UK. South Africa Giving 2017 reveals that despite challenging economic circumstances, individuals in South Africa – particularly the younger generation – continue to give of their time and money to assist individuals and communities in need.

Download the full South Africa Giving 2017 report. 

Download the infographic. 

With South Africa assigned to junk status by two global credit rating agencies, traditional sources of funding for civil society, including nongovernmental organisations (NGOs), community-based organisations (CBOs) and social movements, are likely to decline. The likely drop in income follows on the back of falls already in foreign (industrial country) funding following the aftermath of the 2007/2008 global financial and Eurozone financial crises.

Join us for a workshop that will provide an understanding of the key principles of Design Thinking. This interactive workshop for NPOs will allow you to experience a selection of processes, methods and tools for Design Thinking, while supporting a practical understanding of how these can be applied within various areas of your organisation.  

Looking for affordable Cape Town office space, in a convenient, friendly and supportive environment? Non-profit trust Inyathelo, The South African Institute for Advancement, has fully furnished office workspace available for rent.

Inyathelo remembers with great affection and appreciation the late Doctor Richard van der Ross, who generously gave of his time and expertise to our organisation. Dr van der Ross was associated with Inyathelo from 2004 and acted as Chairperson of the Board from 2006 to September 2008.

The Funding Practice Alliance in collaboration with Mthente Research and Consulting Services conducted a research study on civil society in South Africa to better understand how the civil society sector is funded, and how it advances South African society through contributing to employment and to the economy. Completed in 2016, this document provides a summative overview of the research study.

What can civil society, business and ordinary citizens do to not only survive but prosper in a context of state and governing party failure, and a lack of trust in democratic institutions, that has long-term repercussions for the economy?

Philanthropists, NGO representatives, thought leaders and academics will gather in Cape Town next week (Thursday 9 November) to share new perspectives on philanthropy in Africa. The event is being organised by non-profit trust Inyathelo, the South African Institute for Advancement.