Insights

Doing good right: the guide to making change that lasts

Galit Cohen

For more than two decades, I’ve worked at the intersection of crisis, community, and change. From the aftermath of the Haiti earthquake and Typhoon Haiyan in the Philippines, to nine months in conflict-torn South Sudan, to now over a decade living and working in the rural Eastern Cape of South Afr…

Hashtag Nonprofit presents: The Nonprofit Matters Podcast

The Nonprofit Matters Podcast

Hashtag Nonprofit is thrilled to launch a 5-episode podcast series that dives deep into the real, complex, and often unspoken challenges facing South Africa’s nonprofit sector. Inspired by questions from our nonprofit community, each episode explores a different theme, from funding and sustainabili…

World-famous Soweto music school faces funding crisis

GroundUp

Photo Essay by Ihsaan Haffejee Keabetswe Goodman, who was once a student at Buskaid, gives a lesson to a group of young violin students. Photos: Ihsaan Haffejee “We’ve survived under so many difficult circumstances but we’ve never been in the situation that we are in now” Buskaid, the m…

Empowering South Africa's youth through Hip Hop culture

G-CAP NPC

G-CAP NPC is ecstatic to announce the new teaching campus and studio for its flagship BeatBangaz DJ Academy at Tiny Warehouse in Woodstock, Cape Town. This significant milestone was celebrated with a free DJ workshop on Saturday, 5 July 2025, drawing dozens of long-time supporters, music lovers…

Biologist turns real-life African scientists into superheroes

By Ihsaan Haffejee | GroundUp

A scientist who lives and works in Durban has made it his mission to inspire the next generation of scientists by creating a series of cartoon superhero characters based on real-life African scientists. For as long as he can remember, Justin Yarrow has been intrigued by science and innovation. H…

Nonprofits don't owe you an Instagram-worthy Mandela Day

Ruen Govinder

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 dedic…

Tech that listens: How Zahir Mirza built ActiveDonor around the real needs of South African nonprofits

James Sleight

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. Tel…

Becoming a lifeline for injured wildlife: How Grace Valley Wildlife Rescue empowers everyday heroes

Shireen Freeman

In the heart of the Overberg, surrounded by rolling farmland and patches of fynbos, something remarkable is happening. While many people walk past an injured bird or feel helpless when they spot a wild animal in distress, a small, dedicated rescue operation is teaching communities to act—with confi…

What can one teen do? A lot, if you ask Michael-Daniel Bam

Maya Sleight

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 about…

Put learning, not performance, at the centre of Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning

By Kayin Scholtz and Jessica Horler

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 the…

US pulls funding for South African medical research

GroundUp

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 failing…

Flower farm keeps Constantia’s coloured heritage alive

GroundUp

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 Constantia…

Inside the government’s confused response to the US funding crisis

GroundUp

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 mechani…

Political will needed to save lives amid USAID funding cuts, say activists

GroundUp

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 acro…

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 tutor…

The Double-Edged Sword of USAID: Aid or Dependency in South Africa’s NGO Landscape?

Lesley Ann van Selm | Khulisa Social Solutions

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 cu…

Simplifying donations: How Paysoft Impact is transforming nonprofit fundraising

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 t…

Cape Town museum offers a window into life as a migrant worker under apartheid

GroundUp

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 t…

Building resilient nonprofits: Leadership and strategic development through Stepwise Consulting

James Sleight

Turning Crises into Opportunities: Explore the 2024 IPASA Annual Review

IPASA

“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 address…

Please pay it forward!

Jill Ritchie

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 fir…

The heart of nonprofit accounting: Brenda Coetzee on Ziyo’s mission for nonprofits

Ruen Govinder

Capturing impact: Anna Lusty transforms nonprofit storytelling through photography

Ruen Govinder

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

Ruen Govinder

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

Ruen Govinder

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 about…

Behind the numbers: Reza Amra on strengthening South Africa’s nonprofit sector

Ruen Govinder

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 Chartere…

Turning everyday shopping into purposeful giving: Interview with Kirstyn Liang, ShopDonation

James Sleight

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. Tell…

The Power of Passion and Strategy: Interview with Carolin Gomulia, The Workroom

Ruen Govinder

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 me…

Gender-based violence in South Africa: How reliable is the data?

Dr M. Weideman and Ms. L. Cawood

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 as…

Innovating for Impact: Iris Cochrane’s Mission with In-Contact

Ruen Govinder

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 tell…

Dogs and cats get their own taxi in Cape Town

GroundUp

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 we…

A Passion for Positive Change: Interview with Nicole Copley, NGOLaw

Ruen Govinder

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 yo…

The Wrong Reasons to Start a Non-profit Organisation

Jill Ritchie

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 response…

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 the…

Interview: Ruen Govinder: Founder and Executive Director of Hashtag Nonprofit and digital consultant

Ruen Govinder

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 mot…

How to avoid "Groundhog Day" at your nonprofit organisation

Ruen Govinder

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 instit…

Beyond belief, beyond borders: Do funders overlook faith-based organisations?

Shameemah Jahed

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 decade…

Children feel the magic of stories at World Read Aloud Day

GroundUp

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 the…

Fostering Peace and Equality Through Education

Dorcas Dube

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 human…

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