Fundraising in South Africa

(L-R) Zani Kunz, Alan Hutson and Selloane Mashinini

For many years, South African charities have relied on the government for a significant amount of funding. It’s a different picture today – fundraising has become an important social force in the country. AFP has worked with the South African Institute of Fundraising (SAIF) over the last few years – we’ve learnt a lot about the challenges they’ve faced.

Earlier this year, the SAIF held its 10th biennial convention, A New Dawn in Fundraising. AFP was represented at the conference by Alan Hutson. We gave bursaries to Zani Kunz from Children’s Eco Training and Selloane Mashinini of Ikageng Old Age Relief Centre.

Children’s Eco Training focuses on hands-on environmental education for the youth in the Hoedspruit and Acornhoek areas of South Africa. Its goal is to teach children how to conserve and inspire them to appreciate nature in all its intricacies. Ikageng Old Age Relief Centre was established in 1984 for the purpose of addressing basic living needs for the elderly, including, coal supplies in winter months and basic medical requirements.

The need and the demand for charitable services is a constant, wherever you are. Period. Protecting the environment. Assisting the elderly. Names may change, but the issues do not. It’s why AFP is committed to serving fundraisers around the world. Sometime in the near future, you might just be participating in a webinar or session led by Zani and Selloane. We’re all united by challenges, issues and opportunities, and we can all learn from each other.