What can one teen do? A lot, if you ask Michael-Daniel Bam
At just 16 years old, Michael-Daniel Bam (MD) is already making a name for himself as a community leader, Junior Mayor of Cape Town, and founder of his own nonprofit initiative, the Michael-Daniel Bam Foundation.
In this thoughtful interview, he sits down with classmate Maya Sleight to talk abou...
“Tech that listens: How Zahir Mirza built ActiveDonor around the real needs of South African nonprofits
This interview series with our #Nonprofit Service Provider Classifieds advertisers aims to unveil the stories and motivations behind those who specialise in uplifting and guiding the nonprofit community. In this interview, we talk with Zahir Mirza, founder of ActiveDonor.
T...
Put learning, not performance, at the centre of Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning
By Kayin Scholtz and Jessica Horler The noble aims of Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning to improve impact can be distorted in practice, and increase the stark power imbalance between donors and NPOs if misapplied. But by shifting from compliance and control to curiosity, MEL can serve th...
US pulls funding for South African medical research
By Jesse Copelyn
US funding for clinical research in South Africa is incrementally being cancelled.
This is happening through at least two processes. The first is by banning certain kinds of foreign grants called sub-awards (which is affecting everyone globally).
The second is by faili...
Flower farm keeps Constantia’s coloured heritage alive
By Liezl Human. Photos by Ashraf Hendricks.
Jaftha’s Flower Farm is run by brothers Charles and Malcolm Jaftha, whose family has farmed flowers in the Constantia Valley since the 1800s. Remembering these families is important to the Jafthas, who helped set up the Constant...
Inside the government’s confused response to the US funding crisis
By Jesse Copelyn; Published by GroundUp and Spotlight
In late-January, the US suspended billions of dollars of international aid, including for HIV-related programmes in South Africa. The South African government could have responded by triggering an emergency funding mecha...
Political will needed to save lives amid USAID funding cuts, say activists
By Liezl Human Activists, many of whom were instrumental in the fight for free antiretrovirals for those living with HIV two decades ago, are once again picking up the baton. This comes amid rising concerns over the life-threatening impact PEPFAR-funding cuts are having on HIV programmes ac...
Introducing #DigitalDepot: A Game-Changer for Nonprofit Staff
Hashtag Nonprofit is proud to announce the launch of Digital Depot, a brand-new online marketplace where nonprofit professionals can access affordable and free digital resources to enhance their impact.
From social media templates and communication toolkits to practical e-guides and video tut...
The Double-Edged Sword of USAID: Aid or Dependency in South Africa’s NGO Landscape?
The South African NGO sector has long been a lifeline for marginalised communities, bridging gaps where government services have failed. Yet, behind the façade of international generosity, a pressing question remains: Is USAID truly empowering South Africa’s civil society, or is it entrenching a ...
Simplifying donations: How Paysoft Impact is transforming nonprofit fundraising
This interview series with our #Nonprofit Service Provider Classifieds advertisers aims to unveil the stories and motivations behind those who specialise in uplifting and guiding the nonprofit community.
In this interview, we talk with Chad Roberts, founder of Paysoft Impac...
From trauma to triumph: How our team heals heartbroken children
Since 1958, Girls & Boys Town South Africa (GBTSA) has been a sanctuary for healing heartbroken children, guiding them towards a brighter future. Our mission focuses on mending the invisible wounds of children who have faced unimaginable challenges, offering them a nurturing environment where...
Cape Town museum offers a window into life as a migrant worker under apartheid
By Mary-Anne Gontsana, GroundUp.
Buildings with many small rooms, each with narrow single beds or bunks, crowded with male migrant labourers – these were the workers’ hostels in Lwandle township, Cape Town. The last preserved one – Hostel 33 in Khayalethu Street – is attached to...
Building resilient nonprofits: Leadership and strategic development through Stepwise Consulting
This interview series with our #Nonprofit Service Provider Classifieds advertisers aims to unveil the stories and motivations behind those who specialise in uplifting and guiding the nonprofit community.
In this interview, we talk with Cedric de Beer, founder of Stepwise...
Turning Crises into Opportunities: Explore the 2024 IPASA Annual Review
“To tackle the interconnected challenges of our time, philanthropy must act boldly and collaboratively to create systemic change." -- Yogavelli Nambiar, social change strategist and editor of the 2024 IPASA Annual Review of South African Philanthropy.
Philanthropy has the unique power to addres...
Please pay it forward!
In the nonprofit world, knowledge and experience are some of the most valuable assets we can share. The concept of “paying it forward”—freely passing on what we know to others—strengthens the sector, especially as many organizations grapple with limited resources and increasing demands.
When I f...
The heart of nonprofit accounting: Brenda Coetzee on Ziyo’s mission for nonprofits
This interview series with our #Nonprofit Service Provider Classifieds advertisers aims to unveil the stories and motivations behind those who specialise in uplifting and guiding the nonprofit community.
In this interview, we talk with Brenda Coetzee, CEO of Ziyo, Accoun...
Capturing impact: Anna Lusty transforms nonprofit storytelling through photography
This interview series with our #Nonprofit Service Provider Classifieds advertisers aims to unveil the stories and motivations behind those who specialise in uplifting and guiding the nonprofit community.
In this interview, we chat with Anna Lusty, founder of Made In My Camera...
Recruitment with heart: How Annelie Marais supports nonprofits in achieving their mission
This interview series with our #Nonprofit Service Provider Classifieds advertisers aims to unveil the stories and motivations behind those who specialise in uplifting and guiding the nonprofit community.
In this interview, we chat with Annelie Marais, founder of Marais Button...
Amplifying nonprofit impact: Warren Lodge highlights the power of branding for social good
This interview series with our #Nonprofit Service Provider Classifieds advertisers aims to unveil the stories and motivations behind those who specialise in uplifting and guiding the nonprofit community.
In this interview, we chat with Warren Lodge, founder of LifeBrand.
Tell me abo...
Behind the numbers: Reza Amra on strengthening South Africa’s nonprofit sector
This interview series with our #Nonprofit Service Provider Classifieds advertisers aims to unveil the stories and motivations behind those who specialise in uplifting and guiding the nonprofit community.
In this interview, we get to know Reza Amra, Director of Turning Point Charte...
Turning everyday shopping into purposeful giving: Interview with Kirstyn Liang, ShopDonation
This interview series with our #Nonprofit Service Provider Classifieds advertisers aims to unveil the stories and motivations behind those who specialise in uplifting and guiding the nonprofit community.
In this interview, we get to know Kirstyn Liang, founder of ShopDonation SA.
Tel...
The Power of Passion and Strategy: Interview with Carolin Gomulia, The Workroom
This interview series with our #Nonprofit Service Provider Classifieds advertisers aims to unveil the stories and motivations behind those who specialise in uplifting and guiding the nonprofit community.
In this interview, we get to know Carolin Gomulia, The Workroom.
Q: Tell m...
Gender-based violence in South Africa: How reliable is the data?
By Dr M. Weideman (Independent Consultant) and Ms. L. Cawood (Director, Childline Gauteng)
Gender-based violence (GBV) is a potential or actual threat that all women face. South Africa (SA) is frequently cited as one of the most dangerous countries (not at war) for women, and GBV is described ...
Innovating for Impact: Iris Cochrane’s Mission with In-Contact
This interview series with our #Nonprofit Service Provider Classifieds advertisers aims to unveil the stories and motivations behind those who specialise in uplifting and guiding the nonprofit community.
In this interview, we get to know Iris Cochrane, In-Contact
Q: Can you tel...
Dogs and cats get their own taxi in Cape Town
A handful of four-legged companions from Vrygrond in Cape Town got to test out a new bicycle taxi for pets run by the organisation, AfriPaw. The aim of the initiative is to provide access to the animal clinics for pets living in under-resourced communities like Vrygrond.
“We noticed that people ...
A Passion for Positive Change: Interview with Nicole Copley, NGOLaw
This interview series with our #Nonprofit Service Provider Classifieds advertisers aims to unveil the stories and motivations behind those who specialise in uplifting and guiding the nonprofit community.
In this interview, we get to know Nicole Copley, NGOLaw.
Tell me about yourself and ...
Nonprofits don't owe you an Instagram-worthy Mandela Day
Mandela Day, celebrated annually on 18 July, is a global call to action emphasising the idea that each individual has the power to transform the world and make an impact. In South Africa, people are encouraged to volunteer 67 minutes of their time in honour of the 67 years Nelson Mandela ded...
The Wrong Reasons to Start a Non-profit Organisation
While most NPOs are established for the right, sound and moral reasons (such as a person or a group of people being so moved, so outraged or so hurt about people or animals suffering or environmental degradation, that they ‘do something about it’), not all organisations are established in respons...
SAPPIN offers new WhatsApp support platform to help parents and caregivers of young children
Parentline SA is an easy-to-use WhatsApp support platform offering comprehensive advice on parenting issues and challenges to parents throughout South Africa. Parents can easily join the user-friendly WhatsApp chat to receive instant access to parenting support, expert advice, and insights into t...
Interview: Ruen Govinder: Founder and Executive Director of Hashtag Nonprofit and digital consultant
Hashtag Nonprofit is an online magazine for people working at and serving nonprofit organisations. A popular section on our website is our #Classifieds, which advertises consultants and service providers specialising in the nonprofit sector.
This interview series aims to unveil the stories and m...
How to avoid "Groundhog Day" at your nonprofit organisation
The "Groundhog Day phenomenon" refers to the 1993 film where Bill Murray's character is caught in a time loop, re-living the same day over and over again. At nonprofits, this painful re-living happens not through any magical forces, but due to poor organisational practices around documenting inst...
Beyond belief, beyond borders: Do funders overlook faith-based organisations?
It’s no secret that social-good causes run by faith-based non-profit organisations play a crucial role in addressing societal challenges. However, navigating the complexities of fundraising within this sector often comes with its own set of challenges, as with any organisation.
With over a decad...
Children feel the magic of stories at World Read Aloud Day
By Ashraf Hendricks, GroundUp. Photo: Ashraf Hendricks
Everyone who can - teachers, parents, caregivers - should read to children, says Gabrielle Kelly, Head of Research, Impact and Innovation at Nal’ibali. Speaking at a World Read Aloud Day event organised byNal’ibali and t...
Fostering Peace and Equality Through Education
The theme for this year's International Day of Education "Learning for Lasting Peace," highlights the link between education and the promotion of sustainable peace. To achieve lasting peace, education must go beyond the transmission of knowledge and embrace values such as empathy, respect for hum...
Profits Beyond Profit: The Returns on Investment in Nonprofit Support
Return on Investment. I remember clearly the moment I heard that term for the first time within the NPO space. I was sitting opposite a funding committee and while looking at our operational budget, one of the committee members explained the importance of return on investment in their decision-ma...
IPASA Announces the Release of the 2023 Annual Review of South African Philanthropy
The Independent Philanthropy Association of South Africa (IPASA) is proud to unveil its fifth edition of the Annual Review of South African Philanthropy.
In the Annual Review, IPASA showcases prominent philanthropic organisations and their efforts towards addressing the pressing challenges...
Café offers employment for township youths, dignity for the elderly
Neighbourhood Old Age Homes (NOAH) recently opened the All-Day Corner Café (cnr Essex & Regent Streets, Woodstock). The café is the result of a unique collaboration between NOAH and the trendy Gardens café and pub, ROXY Late Night.
The venture launched in October 2023, and according to NOAH ...
Khayelitsha animal clinic celebrates birthday with lively dog show
By Mary-Anne Gontsana. Photos by Ashraf Hendricks. The biggest dog, the best look-alike, the cutest, the most unusual dog, the best dressed owner and dog, the shiniest coat, the cutest trick, the best behaved, and the smallest dog – these were the prize categories in a friendly competi...
The Mowbray Market
Every first Saturday of the month, small-scale farmers, producers and artisans gather outside of Gordon’s Gym in Mowbray to sell their locally grown produce, homemade foods and handmade goods at the Mowbray Market.
This new addition to the market landscape in Cape Town was first launched in Dece...
Simple games help children learn to read
By Liezl Human Photos: Ashraf Hendricks
A few hundred caregivers, teachers, parents, and children attended the Wordworks Early Literacy Festival on 16 September. The event highlighted early literacy and language development. Many of the participants came from communities on the Cape Flats ...
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