CHANGE IN APPROACH
Donors want nonprofit sector to develop solutions
A leadership crisis at nonprofit organisations deprives SA of community-level entities that offer real and lasting solutions to social problems, writes Lorenzo Davids
Nonprofit organisations (NPOs) in SA face a severe leadership crisis. This needs to be tackled urgently because the sector plays a crucial role in our society — seeking to provide a large proportion of the services that the government does not administer. NPOs are valued at R60bn and have the potential to implement real and lasting solutions to the social problems that many communities face. But they need help and guidance in finding the best pathways to achieve this. The NPO leadership deficit began growing fast after 1994 as many leaders were absorbed into the government, corporate social investment departments and international donor foundations. At the same time, the NPO sector began a period of rapid growth partly because in this country, unlike in other democracies founded on progressive principles, anyone – regardless of the extent of their skills or knowledge – can start an NPO, register it with the Department of Social Development and raise funds. In 1994, there were about ...
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