The efforts of nonprofit organisations have a significant impact on the socio-economic wellbeing of the country, and it’s time corporate South Africa takes them more seriously.
Dear Chief Executives, Executive Committees and business leaders of South Africa,
I write to you with the objective of prompting much-needed change to the corporate social responsibility landscape. I call on you all to re-imagine your roles in; and responsibilities to the communities that surround and impact your businesses, by taking the role of nonprofit organisations more seriously.
While non-profit organizations provide significant value to society, it’s important to note that they face challenges related to fundraising, sustainability, and operational efficiency. However, their overarching mission is to make a positive impact and address critical social, environmental, and cultural needs.
Coming from a corporate background myself, I am fully aware that the status quo that currently exists, where corporates often assume the role of ‘generous benefactor’ while nonprofits and their beneficiaries are the ‘humble and ever grateful recipients’, is convenient and comfortable for everyone. Somehow, corporates and NPO’s have found their ‘groove’, in that businesses are happy to hand over funding and donations in meeting their CSI imperatives and BEE criteria, and NPO’s are typically grateful to receive whatever they can get for their beneficiaries.
For all intents and purposes, this system has long presented as a win-win for all involved. However, the problem is that it downplays the importance of NPO’s and the respect they deserve. It completely ignores the vital role that NPO’s play in society, driving economic growth and civic engagement, while strengthening the fabric of society.
Considering that there are over 270,000 registered NPOs currently operating in South Africa according to the department of Social Development’s NPO register as of February 2023, there is no question of the value that NPO’s bring to the table. In fact the sheer volume of NPO’s that exist in South Africa is, as I am sure you would agree, indicative of the government’s failure to serve the needs of all its citizens.
In contrast, NPO’s are able to identify and address the challenges facing the communities they serve a lot more effectively than government can, because we work closely with people. Rays of Hope’s social workers, for instance, identified the need for a gender-based violence crisis centre in Alexandra after seeing that women and children were a greater risk of abuse at the hands of the men in their lives during COVID-19 lockdown.
And so it goes without saying that NPO’s, enabled in great part by involvement and contribution from the private sector, play an incredibly significant role in uplifting under-resourced, impoverished and neglected communities across the country.
My suggestion, then, is that we change the dynamic of how corporates and NPO’s interact with one another.
Both corporate South Africa and non-profits need to embrace each other as partners in bringing lasting change to communities in need. Let’s explore, throughout the year and not just on Mandela Day or towards financial year-end, how we can work together to ensure your CSI imperatives are being met while channelling those efforts to make a more meaningful impact and support the communities we serve.
I call on you to take us in the NPO space more seriously, to engage more meaningfully with your CSI objectives and become long-term stakeholders in bringing the change that people in Alexandra and across South Africa need.
We stand at a crossroads where the actions of corporate leaders can shape the world for generations to come. The power to drive positive change resides within each of you. We invite you to join us in a shared commitment to ethical, sustainable, and socially responsible business practices. Let us harness innovation, collaboration, and empathy to address the pressing challenges of our era, leaving a legacy that transcends profits alone. Together, we can build a future where businesses not only thrive but also contribute meaningfully to the well-being of people. Your engagement in this endeavour is not just welcomed; it is vital. The time for action is now.
Your partner in change for the better,
Muziwethu Zwane, IS A CEO OF RAYS OF HOPE.
HE WRITES IN HIS PERSONAL CAPACITY.
