Insights

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

"We’ve built the platform specifically for the South African nonprofit environment, based on real-life nonprofit workflows. It’s not some imported tool trying to force itself into a context it doesn’t understand."

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

Every year in South Africa, around 20,000 wild birds and 5,000 small mammals die due to improper rescue attempts and mismanagement in captivity. These wholly preventable deaths are not because people don’t care, but because they don’t know what to do.

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 about how he juggles school, leadership, and personal projects, and what keeps him motivated.

Simplifying donations: How Paysoft Impact is transforming nonprofit fundraising

"Our main goal is to simplify the donation process for nonprofits so they can focus on their work, not on managing payments. We provide an all-in-one solution that includes debit orders, credit cards, EFT, and more." -- Chad Roberts

Building resilient nonprofits: Leadership and strategic development through Stepwise Consulting

"Organisations should be able to continue thriving even after leadership changes. A lot of nonprofits struggle when founders or key leaders move on, so I focus on building leadership that can carry the organisation forward long-term." - Cedric de Beer

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

"Without money and the good management of it, a mission cannot be accomplished. All of us at Ziyo believe that our daily support for civil society in Southern Africa has made our world a better place. " - Brenda Coetzee, Ziyo

Capturing impact: Anna Lusty transforms nonprofit storytelling through photography

"The nonprofit sector lets me witness the good in human nature every day. I love seeing the best in humanity, and this work constantly restores my faith in the world." -- Anna Lusty, Made In My Camera.

Recruitment with heart: How Annelie Marais supports nonprofits in achieving their mission

"What sets nonprofits apart is the passion and commitment of those who work in the sector. It’s not about making money for a big boss; it’s about making a real impact. I think more people should understand the sacrifices and heart that go into this work—it’s a sector driven by passion rather than profit."

Amplifying nonprofit impact: Warren Lodge highlights the power of branding for social good

"The depth of expertise, the level of innovation, and the passion for creating positive change that you find in the nonprofit world is truly inspiring."

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

"We offer a full range of services tailored specifically for the nonprofit sector, from reporting to specialised tax reviews and risk assessments. We are commited to not just providing services, but empowering organisations with the knowledge they need to thrive."

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

"I wish more people understood the potential of leveraging technology and international connections in the nonprofit sector. With ShopDonation, we're trying to show how nonprofits can tap into funding sources that weren't previously accessible." -- Kirstyn Liang, founder of ShopDonation SA.

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

"The name 'Workroom' represents a space of possibilities where we can collaborate, think creatively, and make a difference. We offer a range of services to help organisations thrive, including fundraising, organisational strategy, and organisational development and change management."

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

"We’re not just eliminating the problem of multiple spreadsheets of information spread all over the organisation, we're providing a pathway for nonprofits to amplify their impact, streamline their operations, and ultimately, change more lives."

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

"My favourite things about my clients are their passion, energy, and sheer endurance. Organisations I’ve worked with for over 30 years continue to do amazing work against all odds."

SAPPIN offers new WhatsApp support platform to help parents and caregivers of young children

The Parentline SA WhatsApp platform offers light-touch support and guidance, as well as parenting resources and in-person referrals when necessary.

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

This interview series aims to unveiling the stories and motivations behind those who specialise in uplifting and guiding the nonprofit community. To start the series, we interviewed Ruen Govinder, the Founder and Executive Director of Hashtag Nonprofit) about the digital consulting services she offers.

Children feel the magic of stories at World Read Aloud Day

Speaking at a World Read Aloud Day event organised byNal’ibali and the City of Cape Town, Nal’ibali's Gabrielle Kelly, said reading aloud to children helps them to learn to read independently “and to adopt reading as a way of life”.

Café offers employment for township youths, dignity for the elderly

Neighbourhood Old Age Homes recently opened the All-Day Corner Café. The café is the result of a unique collaboration between NOAH and the trendy Gardens café and pub, ROXY Late Night.

Khayelitsha animal clinic celebrates birthday with lively dog show

The Mdzananda Animal Clinic is a permanent, veterinary council-registered non-profit facility in Khayelitsha. It sees on average 1,500 animals in a month. The clinic has a strong focus on community empowerment and education to ensure responsible pet ownership.

The Mowbray Market

TCOE, through its work supporting rural movements advocating for access to land and water, has established nurseries and agroecology hubs across the country. Every month, small-scale farmers, producers and artisans gather to sell their locallygrown produce, homemade foods and handmade goods at the Mowbray Market.

Simple games help children learn to read

Recently, a few hundred caregivers, teachers, parents, and children attended the Wordworks Early Literacy Festival on 16. The event highlighted early literacy and language development. Many of the participants came from communities on the Cape Flats such as Mitchells Plain, Khayelitsha, Grassy Park, Philippi and Elsies River.

Checkmate: Gugulethu chess coach shares her passion with youth

A young woman from Gugulethu started her own chess club to share her passion for the sport with young learners. Recently, the under-11 chess team qualified for the provincial tournament.

Transforming Access to the TRC Archive: The Bitter Aloe Project and AI Technology

Unlimited Child and Gift of the Givers Aid Yemeni Refugee Camps

Thriving Langa gardens feed hungry families: Former dumpsites transformed into vegetable plots

A passion for social justice: Wandisa Phama, Centre for Environmental Rights

Celebrating Langa through its artists

Mammuso Makhanya is changing lives through literacy at Wordworks

Bulungula shows how social connectedness can improve economic opportunities for young people

Making a daily difference on two fronts: Meet Andy Du Plessis, Managing Director of FoodForward SA

A passion for supporting and developing people: Meet Omashani Naidoo, SchoolNet South Africa

Meet Bev Russell, CEO of Social Surveys

Meet Rachel Bukasa, Director of the Black Sash

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